Ras Al Khaimah to promote free trade zone at HORECA in Jordan

AMMAN — Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) Authority announced on Saturday in a press statement that it is offering business-friendly investment advantages to companies in Jordan.

“If you are looking to set up your company and maximise the return on your investment, you are invited to visit RAK FTZ’s booth at the HORECA Jordan Exhibition and learn about the free zone’s award-winning services, world-class facilities and substantially lower costs of establishing and expanding businesses,” Peter Fort, chief executive officer of RAK FTZ, said in the statement. 

RAK FTZ, one of the fastest-growing and most cost-effective free zones in the Middle East, will participate in HORECA, one of the largest exhibitions in the food, beverage and hospitality industries.

HORECA Jordan Exhibition 1st Edition takes place on October 21 — 23, 2014 in Zara Expo, Grand Hyatt Hotel in Amman. It is expected to draw more than 18,000 buyers and decision makers from various industries and sectors including hotel management, restaurants, hospitals, caterers, cleaning and maintenance services, specialised technology, packaging, tableware and guest amenities, as well as engineering, architecture, consultancies, schools and universities. 

“Less than an hour’s drive from Dubai, we offer a strategic geographical location that provides easy access to fast-growing markets across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and South Asia, as well as the ability to tap into trade flows between East and West. RAK FTZ provides 100 per cent foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and permanent zero tax policy,” the statement stated.

It described RAK FTZ as the destination of choice for companies in the food and beverage industry, including those that package, label, and distribute various kinds of edible products, including meat, fruits and nuts, cheese and vegetables, among others. 

Additionally, RAK FTZ’s Academic Zone includes educational institutions that provide hospitality training for workers who will provide catering and other food services in hotels and restaurants.

RAK FTZ will hold seminars on October 22-23 at Azure Hall, Le Royal Hotels & Resorts in Amman, including a presentation on how to set up a profitable company at RAK FTZ. Business-to-business meetings with RAK FTZ representatives will also take place.

Jordan is a significant trading partner with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Vegetables, medications, gold, metallic salts, paper, heating and cooling equipment, fruits and nuts, and telecommunications equipment top the list. 

Exports from Jordan to the UAE totalled $1.34 billion between 2009 and 2013. More than 400 Jordanian companies are currently registered at RAK FTZ.

In the statement, Fort invited companies from Jordan and elsewhere to find out why more than 7,500 companies from over 100 countries and more than 50 industry sectors have chosen to set up shop at RAK FTZ.

“Our clients  benefit not only from fast-tracked visas and licensing, but also ongoing business support, including advertising, procurement, event management, recruitment and training assistance,” Fort said. “Clients can also build labour accommodations on site, eliminating the need for labour transportation risks and costs. RAK FTZ also gives companies the freedom to source labour and materials globally,” he added.