Over 30% of France-UAE trade goes through Jafza companies

19/11/2017 05:54 AST

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO DP World, said: “France is a long-term strategic partner of Dubai and the UAE and Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone play an important role in that relationship, enabling French companies enter key markets in the region. The recent visit of President Emmanuel Macron to UAE will go a long way in further enhancing this relationship.

“Among EU nations, France remains one of our most important trade partners of the UAE and we have seen a continuous growth – in non-oil trade between the two countries reaching $5.1 billion in 2016.”

Trade between Jafza and France grew to $1.5billion in 2016 up from $1.3billion the previous year. There are more than 130 French companies operating from Jafza, ranging from healthcare, equipment, oil & gas, cars and transportation.

Jebel Ali Port also plays a pivotal role in enabling trade between the two countries. More than 36,000 TEUs from France were handled by the port in 2016.

Mr Bin Sulayem also called for the exchange of expertise and knowledge in innovation and artificial intelligence, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, noting that promising opportunities are available to French companies in a range of sectors, notably foodstuffs, logistics and infrastructure.

The UAE is the second largest investor in France from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, with foreign direct investment amounting to more than 1.13 billion euros, 35 percent of total GCC investments in France.

Media Office Dubai