Link August 2017 AUGUST 2017 | Page 18

Port & Freezone existing companies in the freezone to support business and attract more companies wanting to explore the markets of the region were also playing a major role. He added: “Jebel Ali Port plays a pivotal role in enabling international trade so companies operating in Jafza can import and re-export their goods and products to the various countries of the region. Dubai Logistics Corridor, which connects Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport in one customs zone, reducing the time taken for the movement of goods between sea and air transport modes and making the area the main transit gateway in the Middle East.” Business Partners Meanwhile, China has maintained its position as Jafza’s largest trading partner with $11.3 billion worth of trade during the 18 August 2017 year with many Chinese companies in Dubai using logistics capability to re-export goods and products. Saudi Arabia is the second largest Jafza trading partner with $7 billion, while Vietnam was third with $4.3 billion through the import of electronics and electrical appliances, followed by the United States with a trade volume of $ 3.7 billion. Business sectors Machinery, electronics and electrical goods accounted for 49% of Jafza’s total trade with Jebel Ali Port’s ability to handle heavy equipment playing a key role, coupled with high consumer demand in the sector. Petrochemicals, oil and gas sector had 16% of total trade, followed by food and FMCG (8%), textiles and garments (7%), automotive and spare parts (6%). Trade with Regions Trade with the Asia Pacific region came to $32.4 billion, followed by the Middle East at $27.2 billion, the European continent ($9.9 billion), the Americas ($5.5 billion) and Africa ($5 billion). DAFZA issues guide on ‘Dubai: The Global Gateway to Halal Industries’ The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) recently issued a comprehensive halal industries guide as part of its initiatives to contribute to Dubai’s vision of becoming the capital of the Islamic economy for 2017- 2021. The first-of-its- kind guide titled ‘Dubai: The Global Gateway to Halal Industries’ describes Halal products