A high-level German delegation visited Jafza (Jebel Ali Free Zone) and the Jebel Ali Port today (November 13, 2005), as part of an official visit to the UAE. The German delegation was received by Ibrahim Mohammad Al Janahi, Vice President Commercial Sales, Jafza, and other senior Jafza officials.
The over 80-member delegation was led by Martin Herkstroter, CEO of Hesse-Agency, and comprised high-ranking government officials, members of the State Parliament, leading businessmen as well as journalists of major German newspapers and magazines. Other prominent delegation members included Dirk Metz, Spokesperson of State Parliament, Carsten Dentler, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Bank AG, and Bernhard Franken, CEO of Franken Architekten. The delegation’s visit was organized by the German Office for Industry and Commerce in the UAE, which was represented by Dr. Jurgen Friedrich.
The German delegation was given a demonstration of Jafza’s world-class facilities by Ibrahim Ahmed Al Janahi. Following the presentation, the delegation was taken on a tour of Jafza and the Jebel Ali Port to enable them to gain first-hand experience of the facilities and services offered.
Commenting on the delegation’s visit, Al Janahi said, “Our discussions with the German delegation proved extremely successful, as it provided us an opportunity to discuss at length ways and means to enhance economic cooperation with Germany, in particular with the Federal State of Hesse. The delegation was highly appreciative of Jafza’s world-class facilities as well as the host of incentives it offers tenant companies, and many key German business leaders expressed interest to set up facilities at the free zone.”
“Besides being amongst the UAE’s closest European allies, Germany has traditionally had strong business relations with the UAE, and German products are amongst the most trusted in the local market. The fact that there are more than 150 top-level German companies operating in Jafza amply illustrates this close relationship,” Al Janahi added.
Martin Herkstroter, head of the German delegation, said, “The Federal State of Hesse is keen on boosting its economic partnership with Dubai, which is the commercial and financial hub of the region. A large number of leading Hesse-based companies are seeking to expand operations to overseas destinations, and many of them are looking at Jafza as a potential location to set up their facilities in, so as to address the needs of their Middle East clientele. Jafza has excellent infrastructure facilities and offers many benefits to companies starting operations there. More importantly, investors at the free zone will have the advantage of a world-class sea port in close proximity.”
