Sharjah Free Zone ideal business place, says official

In a promotional seminar organised in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Sheikh Saqer R Al Qassemi, the deputy director general of Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF-Zone), said that the zone is the centerpiece of the Sharjah government's commitment to free trade.

A conducive atmosphere for industrial and business investments exists in the SAIF-Zone, which was established in the United Arab Emirates city, a decade ago to provide an ideal hub for all types of businesses that require fast, efficient and a trouble-free working environment.

Qassemi informed that the growth of the zone since its inception in 1995 has been phenomenal. From 1995, when the zone consisted of only 55 companies, it has grown to 1,969 companies of which, 1,000 are from India.

Emphasising on the salient features of the zone, he said that it provides state-of-the art facilities, air-conditioned and furnished executive offices, pre-built ware houses in 4 sizes with adjacent office space and leased land for unrestricted development, container parking area and temporary storage space.

Further on, Qassemi added that there will be no corporate or personal taxes and import-export duties in the SAIF-Zone.

"SAIF-Zone stands out for the absence of red tape. It offers fast and simple procedures, with the focus being on exceeding customer expectations and thrilling them at all times," he added.

It also offers fast and simple licensing procedures, sponsorship of employment and residence visas, access to low-cost energy and labour, budget accommodation for onsite workforce, legal services, international couriers and custom office.

Besides, there will be 100 per cent foreign ownership and repatriation of funds, with no currency restrictions in the zone, which is located in a strategic place with easy access to ports and airports.