Dubai – Mubasher: The volume of trade through Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has reached 29.4 million metric tonnes (MT) with a total value of AED 305.22 billion ($83.1 billion) in 2017, which makes up 23% of the total value of trade in the Emirate of Dubai.
Dubai’s free zone trade combined grew 4% year-on-year last year, while total trade in the emirate rose 6% year-on-year in the same period, according to a company statement released on Tuesday.
“This is a proud moment for Jafza as our free zone continues to lead Dubai’s trade sector maintaining its positions as a regional and global business and logistics hub of choice,” DP World’s group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem commented.
Over 76% of Jafza’s trade value during 2017 was generated by five sectors, namely electronics and electricals, vehicle and transport, retail and general trading, oil and gas, and machinery and equipment, DP World’s unit revealed.
“The growth in Jafza’s trade volume and value reflects the wisdom of the government’s economic diversification goals, which we have integrated into our business strategy. Diversification creates investment opportunities while driving competition and innovation,” Bin Sulayem said.
China, Saudi Arabia, the US, Vietnam, and India were the top trade partners of Jafza in the last four quarters.
