ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Ports has announced a major expansion plan for its Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone to accommodate more industries. Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of the emirate’s ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone, has announced a major expansion plan for its Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KPFTZ) to accommodate more industries. Currently, 40 companies operate in the free trade zone in a range of sectors including industrial, trading and services. The new free trade zone will be connected to the future rail network for the transport of goods. The 100 sq km Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone, located next to Khalifa Port, is the second fastest growing port in the world, and poised to become the future of trade in Abu Dhabi.
While addressing media at the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit on Tuesday, Captain Mohammad Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “KPFTZ provides numerous advantages to investors, including competitive lease prices and some of the lowest utility costs in the world, all under tax free umbrella.” The expansion will offer significant value to investors, while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a thriving maritime hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region. Mana Mohammad Saeed Al Mulla, CEO at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) said: “With this new addition of free zone land, we intend to attract global interest from manufacturing investors that will ring technology, product diversification and increased trade through our ports.”