Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) unveiled yesterday the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai. The event was attended by over 200 VIP guests from various companies and industries in India. The guests were introduced to Kizad by Khaled Salmeen, Executive Vice President Industrial Zones at ADPC who presented the latest developments and innovations that make the project one of the largest and most unique of its kind in the world.
Kizad is a 417 sq kms industrial zone strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and now ready to receive applications from potential tenants. With one of the world’s most advanced deepwater seaports and world-class infrastructure, Kizad will benefit from excellent multimodal connectivity via sea, air, road and rail networks to ensure easy accessibility to and from the Industrial Zone. Phase 1, which was launched in the Indian market yesterday, is 51 sq kms with an investment of AED 26.5 billion or $7.2 billion.
Commenting on the launch, Khaled Salmeen, said “We are honoured to be launching our international marketing campaign in Mumbai. India and the UAE have a long history of trade and business relations that facilitate our presence. We believe that Kizad offers Indian businesses a great opportunity to expand with facilities and advantages that justify doing business in Abu Dhabi.”
Non-oil trade between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose 24% to USD 29.02 billion in the last fiscal year, making the UAE India’s third-largest trading partner after the US and China, according to the latest figures released by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In the same period, India’s non-oil exports to the UAE went up to USD 15.47 billion from USD 13.61 billion a year earlier and its non-oil imports from the UAE during 2009-2010 were valued at USD 13.56 billion, compared to USD 9.79 billion in the 2007-08 financial year.
Mr. Salmeen continued: “What we look to offer is the ability for businesses to come to Abu Dhabi and thrive through efficient access to markets, lower operating costs and a greater ease of doing business. These three critical success factors for global industry are key ingredients and will all feature over the long term.”
By 2030, Kizad will be expected to contribute around 15% of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP. It will be a powerful magnet for foreign direct investment, with global business locating large-scale primary and downstream manufacturing facilities in the Industrial Zone. It is anticipated that between 60% and 80% of the goods manufactured within Kizad will be exported, adding further value to the nation’s economy.
Kizad’s strategy is to attract world-class companies, and to establish international industry best practices. Global and local companies alike will find in Kizad the business efficiencies, market access, low cost operating environment and support essential for long term competitive advantage. Kizad will set new standards for industrial zone infrastructure, environment and operation, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s global competitive advantage.