RAK FTZ TEAMs TAKE To ThE sTREETs - Ras Al Khaimah Free ...

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He adds, “We needed to help rebuild the economy, and we could only
do that by attracting new businesses and investment to the UAE. To do
that, we had to be visible, both locally and internationally, and we had
to be the best in our product sector. Also, we needed to widen our scope.
One of our main focuses now is to support small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) – a blooming SME industry is one of the most vital signs of a
flourishing economy.”
RAK FTZ’s dedicated efforts to reach new markets – involving up to a total
of 158 activities for the year alone – have produced this positive result.
These activities included participation in conventions and trade fairs, road
shows and advertising. Road shows were held in key markets like Jordan,
Syria, India, Lebanon, Pakistan and Egypt and oriented local businessmen
about the free zone’s products and services.
Special offers, such as discounted rates on Standard Offices, the easiest
way to enter the Middle East market, were promoted not only among
road show visitors but also within local media and business associations.
Within the last four years, this information dissemination and continuous
education about RAK FTZ products and services has proven effective in
increasing RAK FTZ’s worldwide reach. It proved to be most prolific from
2006, with 2,768 companies, to 2007, with a jump to 4,309 new registrations
,and between 2007 and 2008, when a 12 per cent increase was recorded.
Strengthening its core and focusing on meeting and going beyond the
needs and expectations of existing and future clients, RAK FTZ has built
up an unparalleled network – of partners, clients and suppliers – which
they actively nurse with camaraderie-building activities, such as the RAK
FTZ Golf & Networking Day, held every November, to promote friendship,
open communication and a steady exchange of ideas among its members.
As part of its objective to strengthen its brand, RAK FTZ also launched a
number of value-added services in 2009, such as the dedicated German
desk. Manned by German-speaking personnel, the desk aids clients
from Germany, one of RAK FTZ’s key markets, with everything from visa
processing to setting-up their offices at the RAK FTZ Business Centre.
UK 7%
India 33%
Egypt 6%
Revenue by Country 2009
Pakistan 5% Germany 3%
Other 37%
Russia 2%
Turkey 2%
France 2%
USA 3%
Underlining RAK FTZ’s commitment to the environment, it also held
industry-leading meetings during the year, to educate its clients about the
much-awaited Environmental Performance Card, and in the last quarter
of 2009, it sponsored the second Desert Protection Campaign to help
preserve the UAE’s pristine desert environments.
In October, RAK FTZ launched ‘Free Spirit’, the bi-monthly newsletter that
serves as its stakeholders’ guide to everything that is new and important
for their business and personal lives. From 26 pages, the newsletter
quickly grew to 40 pages tackling a variety of topics, from the newest
RAK FTZ member to the best tourist spot in town.
The year 2009 also saw the efforts of RAK FTZ recognised and awarded
by a number of award-giving bodies. Starting early in the year, RAK FTZ
received four prizes in four categories at the Sheikh Saqr Programme for
Government Excellence, namely ‘Distinguished Governmental Department
of the Year 2008’, ‘Mystery Shopper’, ‘Distinguished Organised Unit for
2008’ and ‘Applying Standards – Processes’.
Later on, it was voted the ‘Best Emerging Free Zone’ by the Middle East
Logistics Awards (MELA) for the third consecutive year, and was also
named ‘Industrial Area of the Year’ by the Supply Chain and Transport
Awards (SCATA).
Furthermore, its evolving website, which provides comprehensive
business information, as well as an interactive experience for current and
prospective clients, was recognised as the ‘Best Website’ at the 9th World
Free Zone Convention (WFZC).
These distinctions are the result of RAK FTZ’s commitment to become the
preferred business hub of the Middle East, distinctions that mark the path
for the free zone’s historic 10-year anniversary, which will be observed on
6 May 2010, not only with fanfare but also a review of its performance
within the last 10 years and a renewed dedication to continue to improve
in all aspects of its everyday processes.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to contribute to the
generation of new jobs, the growth of our economy and the preservation
of our environment,” El Omari shares. “This year, as we celebrate our
10th anniversary, we reflect on the time that has passed and plan for the
future. It is another era that we are entering, and we look forward to it
with much excitement.”
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2010 holds a lot of promise for RAK FTZ. The free zone plans to
strengthen its positioning as a business hub geared at helping SMEs
connect to emerging market economies, target new key markets such as
Turkey, Russia, South Africa and the USA, launch Mazeed Services, and
continue to improve its products and services. With a target to increase
registrations by 15 per cent by the end of the year, with approximately
2250 additional companies, this year, the free zone will further prove that
it is, indeed, what its slogan states – The Home of Business.
The new BC4 building at
RAK FTZ Business Park
7 8