RAK FTZ Strengthens Market Presence With 875 New Companies in H1

- RAK FTZ H1 Results Show 875 New Companies Registered at the Zone

- Nine Per Cent Revenue Growth as Compared to Last Year

RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, Aug. 17 /CNW/ - Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), one of the youngest free zones in the UAE, is on the fast track. With its 360-degree approach to customer care and satisfaction, the free zone has demonstrated a powerful and strengthened market presence in the first six months of 2010 as a direct result of increased marketing and public relations activities. Its active presence internationally, through sponsorship of and participation in key events and conferences and hosting of high-profile foreign delegations to RAK, has directly translated an ever-increasing number of clients and investors from all corners of the globe.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100817/404372)

"Our customers are the major stakeholders in our success, and we constantly strive to provide them with better business solutions, infrastructure, technology and support. We have a customer-centred approach and a 'can do' attitude," confirms Oussama El Omari, RAK FTZ CEO. "As much as it is possible, we try to reach out to current and potential clients to make their experience with us convenient and rewarding and let them know that our door is always open to assist them in any way we can."

The first half of the year showed 875 new companies registered with RAK FTZ and a nine per cent revenue increase from last year. In terms of type of business / activity the largest categories were Consultancy with 188 companies (21%), Spare Parts with 144 (16%) and Information Technology (IT) with 120 (14%). These were followed by Food Stuff with 85 (10%), Textiles with 62 (7%), and Electronics with 50 (6%). A number of other industries made up the rest.

RAK FTZ is continuously improving its products and services, making it quick and easy for clients to open up their operations within the UAE. It recently signed an MoU with Servcorp, a globally recognised provider of quality serviced and virtual office facilities, which offer affordable technology-driven solutions that cater to the specific business needs of individual clients. As part of the agreement, existing ServCorp clients can also sign up with RAK FTZ for their expansion in the Middle East.

"Change is what allows us to grow and evolve. By adopting innovative business methods, we remain competitive and continue to provide the best enabling business environment to the investment community," El Omari adds.

Maximising its efforts to bring business into the emirate, RAK FTZ took part in multiple conferences, road shows and events every month of the year, including the International Bar Association Event (IBA) African Legal Forum Conference held in South Africa. As a major sponsor, RAK FTZ made invaluable connections with the forum's membership of over 35,000 lawyers and 197 bar associations with offices in London, Sao Paolo and Dubai. A high profile delegation headed by Oussama El Omari, RAK FTZ CEO, also visited the US and met up with several heads of government associations, such as the National US Chamber of Commerce, US-UAE Business Council and US Chamber of Commerce to foster trade and investment. RAK FTZ also participated for the first time in the Dubai Airport Show. The Airport Show attracts a wide variety of decision makers and industry leaders and was one of the year's highlights in promoting the free zone products and services.

From January to June, the free zone received 13 business delegations from different parts of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including Lithuania, Azerbaijan, India and Spain. As a direct result of this active marketing, RAK FTZ registrations increased during that period.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, RAK FTZ offered special business packages to attract new clients. It also partnered with a number of high profile establishments, such as Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Al Hamra Golf Club and Tower Links Golf Club, to celebrate the occasion by offering employees, partners and clients discounted dining, spa and golfing experiences. The free zone also recently announced its participation in the World Free Zone Convention (WFZC) as host and a platinum sponsor of the event to be held in Ras Al Khaimah. The two-day convention will take place from 2nd to 3rd November, 2010.

All in all, the first half of 2010 has been a busy and rewarding period for RAK FTZ, and the entire organisation is eagerly anticipating the next six months of the year.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) is a world-class business hub and a vehicle for industrial growth and development. The free trade zone, with its cutting-edge technology and keen customer focus, offers on-demand and custom-built support services to investors in a cost-effective and flexible environment. The free trade zone also offers a range of unique services, which include legal, human resources and marketing assistance.

RAK FTZ has created a unique four-park system comprised of Business Park, Industrial Park, Technology Park and Academy Zone, each of which offers identical advantages and benefits to investors. Backed by legislations allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership, a tax-free environment, transparent laws and 100 per cent capital and profit repatriation, the free trade zone is well positioned for global commerce.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is one of the fastest growing free trade zones, with companies from 106 countries around the globe. For more information, visit www.rakftz.com; or follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/rakftz), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/rakftz?ref=nf), and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/rakftz).

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100817/404372

For further information: Cleo Eleazar, Public Relations and Media Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority (RAK FTZA), Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]