Heads of American Chambers of Commerce visit Jafza, DP World

A top level US business delegation comprising senior members of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce (ACCE), this week visited Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the Economic Zones World flagship operation, and Jebel Ali Port, the home base of global container terminal operator DP World.

The US-Dubai 2010: Executive Business Leaders Mission to Dubai is an initiative organized by Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry with the objective of boosting trade ties between Dubai and the US and to reaffirm Dubai’s position as a popular investment destination for American businesses and a gateway to the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The Mission comprises over 40 top officials of major American chambers from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and representing thousands of American companies.

The US has been one of the top trading partners of Dubai over the years. The US is Dubai’s third largest trading partner as Dubai Chamber members’ exports to the country in 2009 valued at AED377 million while the UAE exports to US valued at USD 1.3 bn registering a jump of 24% in the first nine months of 2009.

Top management and senior officials of Dubai World, Economic Zones World and DP World welcomed the delegation. The visiting dignitaries were briefed on the world class facilities and services the region’s biggest free zone and world’s sixth largest port offer to its customers.

Over 230 American companies are based in Jafza, including the Fortune 500 group Halliburton. GE, DOW, 3M, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Xerox, Tyco, Pepsi, Kraft, Del Monte Food, Ford and Goodrich among others.

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region gave a detailed presentation on DP World’s global operations and recent developments at its flagship port in Jebel Ali. He said: “The Association of American Chambers of Commerce mission to Dubai is a golden opportunity for the Emirate’s business community to consolidate trade ties with their American counterparts and to showcase best what Dubai has to offer to them.”

“The ACCE leaders’ visit was of high importance to us,” Ibrahim Mohammed Al Janahi, Chief Commercial Officer, Jafza, said. “It reflected the strong ties between the two economies and the keenness on the part of the delegation to have a first-hand look at the latest multi-dimensional developments in the free zone and the port. American companies based in the free zone play a huge role in boosting trade through Dubai. We are proud to be supporting this continuing bilateral co-operation,” he added.

HE Eng Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry said, “Dubai being the gateway to the Middle East is the best location for the US businesses to use it as a base to reach out to the larger region. The time is very opportune for American businessmen looking at emerging markets to expand their business activities especially during this recovery period which has opened up the doors for many opportunities due to low rentals and inflation rates. This visit will provide US chamber executives a detailed account of the opportunities available in the active sectors of trade, exports, logistics and financial services as well as the supporting sectors of tourism and real estate.

The delegation later toured the Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai’s unique shopping and leisure destination, and the iconic island projects by Nakheel as well as Atlantis, the palm, which are part of the Dubai World group.