Emirates Argentina Business Platform, which aims strengthen trade ties between the UAE and Argentina, is to open its office in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai, UAE.

The agreement follows a meeting between Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Miguel Braun, Argentine Secretary of Trade and a high-level delegation visiting the UAE.

The Business Platform promotes commercial relations between the UAE and Argentina by connecting producers of goods and services with different types of consumers. The two sides discussed ways to cooperate and strengthen trade relations by enhancing the presence of Argentine companies through incentives and services provided by Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone.

Bin Sulayem said: “With our strong presence across South America, Jafza is keen to build on enduring partnerships with Argentina and other Latin American countries. Our investments in Argentina make us an ideal partner with the ability to link markets, products, and commodities to Mena markets via Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone.

“Our extensive reach and the UAE’s strategic geographic location will help boost the competitiveness of Argentine goods in the region. We look forward to encouraging businesses in the UAE to communicate with counterparts in Argentina to establish beneficial commercial and industrial partnerships using the Platform as a bridge linking the two markets.”

Gabriel Osatensky, managing partner of the Emirates Argentina Business Platform, said:"The Platform is the cornerstone for enabling the movement of Argentine products to UAE, Middle East and North African markets, encouraging cooperation between Argentine producers and local suppliers. From our new base in Jafza we will be able to help Argentine companies identify investment opportunities across the region and grow their businesses.”

Jafza offers incentives such as exemption from import and re-export duties and seamless e-services making it easier for businesses to establish operations in the Free Zone.

Argentine companies trading in agricultural, meat and other food products can benefit from Halal certificates granted by the Standards and Metrology Authority following growing global demand for halal fish.

DP World operates Terminales Rio de la Plata (TRP) in the heart of Buenos Aires, handling containers, general cargo and cruise vessels. The company is also located in Brazil, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Suriname.

Argentina is Latin America's third largest economy and has plans to strengthen its presence in the Middle East, especially in the GCC. – TradeArabia News Service