A delegation from Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) yesterday (April 18) kicked off its three-city tour of Italy from the industrial city Bologna, aimed at promoting the business opportunities provided by the free zone.

The team, led by Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, director of Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA) and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) first visited Italy’s industrial city Bologna and organised a seminar in association with Unindustria Bologna and CNA Bologna, said a statement from free zone.
 
Al Mazrouei said: “We are here to familiarise the local business community with the facilities of the free zone. During our seminar and interaction with entrepreneurs, we found that many of the attendees are interested in exploring the Middle East market.”
 
The delegation also toured IMA packaging factory, world leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, tea and coffee, it added.
 
The team, which consisted of Hamad Al Shamsi and Abdul Azeez Dawood, will also visit Verona, Brindisi to organise seminars and business-to-business (B2B) meetings, it said.

While addressing the seminar in Bologna, Al Mazrouei said: “HFZA is the Middle East’s fastest growing free zone where you can start a business within two hours. Almost any business activity is permitted in HFZA as long as the activity is environmentally friendly and in accordance with local rules and regulations.”
 
“Currently, we have over 6500 companies and 56 of which are Italian,” he said.
 
“We offer the best infrastructure and quality services to welcome foreign investments in various domains including industrial, commercial and services,” he added.
 
Al Mazrouei said: "When we recognised the pivotal role of SMEs in the overall business development a few years back, we began to build a strong SME sector. Our commitment to this goal has resulted in huge success with the development of Hamriyah SME Zone, MB Zone and the E-office. Now, one can start a business in the free zone with just $8000.”
 
“Pre-built warehouses and offices of various sizes are available for investors to operate their businesses in, and for those who require tailor-made facilities, there are industrial plots available for lease,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service