A delegation from Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), the second-largest free zone in the UAE, is visiting the US aiming to cement existing relationships and showcase investment opportunities for US companies.

An official delegation led by Peter J Fort, RAK FTZ CEO, began the series of high-level meetings in Los Angeles, California on December 8. Fort is leading an intensive, five-day schedule of one-on-one meetings and presentations to companies, industry associations and local chambers of commerce in and around Los Angeles, Houston and Dallas.

With over 500 US companies already established in RAK FTZ, the delegation will be building on a strong base, a statement said.

Over the last 14 years, RAK FTZ has blossomed into a cost-effective gateway to fast-growing regional and global markets and is today the investment destination of choice for more than 8,000 companies from over 100 countries, representing more than 50 industry sectors, it added.

“The UAE and US are long-term economic partners and enjoy a robust trade and investment relationship that has grown dramatically in recent years,” said Fort.

“With one of the most open and dynamic economies in the world, the UAE offers an attractive proposition for US businesses and entrepreneurs, from service and trading companies to manufacturers and educational institutions, to gain traction in the Middle East region and access other potentially lucrative markets in Africa and South Asia.

“Texas and California rank among the top 10 US states in exports to the UAE. This inaugural road show in the US marks yet another important milestone in RAK FTZ’s strategic development, and highlights our commitment to the world’s largest economy,” Fort said.

“The shift in international trade patterns, and also the rise to prominence of the southern corridor that links China, the MENA region and Sub-Saharan Africa, has further consolidated the UAE’s geographically significant position and Ras Al Khaimah’s reputation as the gateway to the powerhouse markets of today and of the future.”

Fort and his team are presenting a detailed picture of the business set-up opportunities and benefits available to US investors who are considering Ras Al Khaimah and RAK FTZ as a market entry point.

“In addition to our more than 500 existing US clients, we are seeing growing levels of interest from US companies, undoubtedly boosted by the RAK FTZ reputation for providing the most cost-effective business establishment solutions in the region, plus the privilege of operating in a 100 per cent tax-free environment,” Fort said. – TradeArabia News Service