Chinese Companies to Invest $4 Billion in UAE Logistics Projects  

Chinese Companies to Invest $4 Billion in UAE Logistics Projects  

Logistics business set for big boom in the UAE: NAFL

The logistics industry in the UAE is in for big growth with more logistics parks coming up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and Chinese companies are  set to invest more than $4 billion in logistics projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to the President of National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL).

Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, NAFL and Vice President, Global Extended Board, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)
Nadia Abdul Aziz, President, NAFL and Vice President, Global Extended Board, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)

Said Nadia Abdul Aziz: “Logistics business is in for a boom. Many projects are being built for Expo 2020 and Chinese investors are coming to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

“There will be large logistics parks in Jebel Ali and one near the Expo venue. One is for food processing and the other is for manufacturing and exporting.

“There will be $4 billion investment by Chinese companies. Abu Dhabi will also have a huge logistics project that will boost the trading sector in the UAE.”

Nadia Abdul Aziz expressed her deep appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, President of Dubai Airports, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, for his guidance and continuous support to the NAFL for realising its vision and and goals.

Addressing NAFL members during its Annual General Meeting at Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Nadia said the government is working to attract foreigners to come and invest, manufacture and export in order to boost trade which is contributing 30% to Dubai’s GDP.

Nadia added: “NAFL continues to build government relations to always promote the industry and assist investors to come and invest in the UAE. More importantly, the Association’s mission is to raise the logistics service industry standards in the UAE.

“NAFL’s strategy is to encourage young students to join this growing sector. In line with the UAE strategy, we will have sharper focus on empowering and training UAE nationals in this sector.”

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About the industry, she said there is consolidation taking place in the logistics industry in the UAE, more e-commerce movements and distribution.

“There are people buying companies, and joint ventures are taking place among shipping lines and freight forwarding companies,” said Nadia, who is also chairman for customs and trade facilitation of International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) .

She advised NAFL members to avail the facilities offered by the UAE government offices and also by Dubai South, the 145 square kilometre purpose-built city that includes Al Maktoum International Airport.

Andrea Colo, Sales Manager, Dubai South, who addressed NAFL members, highlighted the incentives and packages being offered to logistics companies in the UAE and to NAFL members.

Said Mr Colo: “We are offering an office space, admeasuring 60 sq metre, to operate from there and offering dual licensing, a facility to register a free zone company without any local sponsor.

“We are also offering three months grace period on the first year rent, which is almost 25 per cent discount. The rent can be paid in four instalments.”

Roula Mezher, representative of Lebanese Forwarders Syndicate, said there is lot of business and trade between the UAE and Lebanon. She also offered incentives to NAFL members to participate in the forthcoming international logistics conference RAME (Region Africa Middle East) 2019 in Beirut in 24-25 June, 2019.

Middle East Airlines (MEA) is offering 20% discount in ticket prices to Beirut.

At the Annual General Meeting, representatives of Dubai Police, Dubai South and Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Lebanese Forwarders Syndicate LFS were felicitated for supporting NAFL.

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