Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) took part in two major exhibitions in Turkey recently as part of its efforts to attract the country's investors into the emirate and also promote its services.

RAK FTZ is a world-class business hub and a vehicle for industrial growth and development.

The emirate is stepping up its efforts to reach international business and investment communities on their own turf, said aa RAK official.

For the first time, RAK FTZ, which already operates a liaison office in Turkey, joined the ranks of international exhibitors at the CeBIT Bilisim Eurasia 2008, the leading business and technology platform held annually in Istanbul.

“Exhibiting at CeBIT Bilisim Eurasia is essential to achieving RAK FTZ’s goals to reach out to business communities within the region.” Gulay Avci, RAK FTZ Regional Manager, Turkey discussed the Zone’s interest in wooing Turkish investors.

'At Cebit, we saw firsthand how interested the visitors were in our services – especially the Flexi Offices, which are the quickest and most convenient way of opening up an office within the region.'

'Currently, RAK FTZ has around 80 Turkish companies registered at the free zone. This interest is only natural considering that Turkey is now the 15th largest economy in the world; it is the perfect time and opportunity for them to establish headquarters or branches outside of Turkey, and RAK FTZ is the very gateway to make that happen.'

'It is projected that, within the next 10 years, Turkey will rank third in growth rate, right after India and China.  This is a phenomenon that we intend to capitalize on, especially with the increasing interest from entrepreneurs and business entities from the country.'

CeBIT Bilisim Eurasia, which attracted 971 exhibitors and over 159,000 trade visitors from all over the world this year, presented the perfect opportunity for representatives from RAKFTZ’s Turkish Liaison Office to impart pertinent information regarding the free zone’s services and facilities.

It also helped them answer the numerous queries received from both visitors and fellow exhibitors at the trade fair.

RAK FTZ also attended the IBF Forum and Musiad Exhibition for the third consecutive year.

Held in Istanbul, the 12th Musaid International Trade Exhibition was organised by Musaid, the Independent Industrialists & Businessmen’s Association of Turkey in conjunction with the 12thInternational Business Forum (IBF) Congress in Istanbul.

The annual trade exhibit was attended by 23 ministers from 17 different countries and over 2,200 businessmen and guests, and more than 408 companies from across all sectors participated. As the only free trade zone in attendance, RAK FTZ gained vital exposure, attracting interest from both local and foreign businessmen and fielding hundreds of inquiries and partnership offers during the four-days.

 The free zone, with its cutting-edge technology and keen customer focus, offers on-demand and custom-built support services to investors in a cost-effective and flexible environment. The Free Zone also offers a range of unique services which include the legal, human resources and marketing assistance.

The Free Trade Zone has created a system of four Parks – Business Park, Industrial Park, Technology Park and Al Ghayl Industrial Park– which offer identical advantages and benefits to investors.

Backed by legislations allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership, tax-free environment, transparent laws and 100 per capital and profit repatriation, the free trade zone is well-positioned for global commerce.

Ras Al Khaimah zone is one of the fastest growing free trade zones, with more than 4,700 companies from 106 countries around the globe.-TradeArabia News Service