The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has signed a MoU with Dubai Aviation City Corporation, the entity responsible for the development of Dubai World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis.

The deal is aimed at establishing a framework for mutually beneficial co-operation to promote the customer base, infrastructure and facilities of DWC, said Sami Al Qamzi, the DED director general after signing the agreement with Khalifa Al Zaffin, the executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation.

As per the deal, DWC will take advantage of the resources and expertise of the DED and its agencies to jointly undertake various initiatives that meet their respective commercial and strategic objectives to drive the economic growth and prosperity of Dubai.

The key areas covered by the MoU are licensing and registration, export development, foreign investment, events and promotions, and SME support development.

"As the chief government authority responsible for implementing and co-ordinating initiatives that enhance Dubai’s business leadership, we consider DWC as an integral component of the long-term economic agenda of Dubai government and central to its efforts to establish the emirate as the region’s premier aviation and logistics hub," Al Qamzi stated.

Al Zaffin said the DED partnership underlines the importance of the strategic support of Dubai government to realising the vision of DWC  to be a world-class aviation and logistics hub.

"We will work together with DED to reinforce the economic drivers of Dubai and contribute to achieving the goals of the Dubai Strategic Plan. We will continue to establish strategic alliances with key government and private sector entities in line with DWC’s mission to serve as a catalyst for growth and long-term economic and social development in Dubai and across the region," he noted.

Under the agreement, DWC and DED will share expertise on the policies, procedures and regulations for the registration and licensing of individual entrepreneurs, commercial enterprises and professional organisations.

They will also explore initiatives for promoting flexible commercial operations at DWC. Moreover, through Dubai Exports, the export development agency of DED, both parties will co-operate in promoting the world-class facilities and efficient export processes at DWC as well as the products and services at the purpose-built aerotropolis.

Rashed Bu Qara'a, the chief operating officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said the agreement will give DWC better access to government resources and expertise to develop policies, regulations and best practices that are strongly aligned with the economic initiatives and goals of Dubai Government.

The MoU also covers all future events to be held at DWC such as the Dubai Airshow and the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA). Through the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), both parties will ensure that such events are well publicised through the Dubai Calendar and other initiatives of DEPE.

DWC and Dubai SME, the DED agency mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector will also work together to define, establish and promote new initiatives to support entrepreneurs and establish DWC as a platform to foster SME growth.-TradeArabia News Service