A high-level delegation from Kerala, India, discussed with the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (Dafza) about ways of opening new channels for the transfer of knowledge, experience and best practices.

Led by Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala, the team also discussed the setting up of the initial framework for the establishment of a new free zone in Kochi, Kerala. He was accompanied by Kunhalikutty PK, Kerala Minister for Industries and Information Technology and Yousuf Ali, managing director of Lulu Group.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dafza, stressed on the importance of strengthening the relationship between the two countries.

He also expressed Dafza’s commitment in maintaining fruitful communication ties that can help enhance the path of economic and trade cooperation between the UAE and India.

Dafza’s leading position and its logistical and administrative excellence in the transfer of knowledge and the design of pioneering processes and models to manage free zones successfully was also highlighted.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, director general, Dafza, welcomed the visiting officials from Kerala and discussed the freezone’s latest expansion initiatives, new projects and its current strategy of attracting more foreign investments through offering improved investment incentives, integrated infrastructure and compliance with international best practices and standards.

“We are pleased to have met with the Indian delegation from Kerala. The meeting is considered to be a strategic platform to discuss key topics of mutual interest, particularly across reinforcing cooperation to provide knowledge resources and expertise to develop a new freezone in Kochi based on Dafza, which is considered to be one of the most advanced freezones in the world,” said Dr Al Zarooni.

“Rest assured, we remain steadfast in the commitment to build robust relations with India’s business and investment community—reflecting on the strong historic and economic ties between the UAE and India,” he said.

Meanwhile, the delegation from Kerala emphasised on the importance to consolidate ties between the two countries and stressed on the need to develop an effective and smooth exchange of information and experiences, especially across the efforts to establish a new freezone in Kochi, using Dafza as its model. - TradeArabia News Service