Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) subsidiary P&O Marinas said it has signed an agreement with Dubai SME for providing facilitations and additional advantages to each other’s clients in bid to support Dubai’s efforts in attracting more business and investments. 

 

The MoU is aimed at developing the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, to boost mutual co-operation in introducing best services to their clients towards realising the vision of Dubai Government in support of Dubai’s economy.

 

Dubai SME is the agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the emirate mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise sector and to help boost mutual co-operation in introducing best services to their clients towards realising the vision of Dubai Government in support of Dubai’s economy.  

 

"Our MoU with Dubai SME is an agreement that will help us exchange benefits with them, and is meant to support small and medium enterprises, which play a noticeable role in national economic development following the vision of our wise leadership,” said Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Mannaei, the chief executive of P&O and executive director of Mina Rashid, after signing a deal with Abdul Baset Al Janahi, the chief executive of Abdul Baset Al Janahi. 

 

"It’s very important for us to cooperate with all government departments in order to deliver the best services and advantages to clients," he added. 

 

The marinas at the Mina Rashid Marina is a new world-class touristic maritime and entertainment attraction that will accommodate 20,000 yachts and boats in the next few years. It stretches across 13 sq km and features a number of facilities including an integrated entertainment city, Marina Cubes.

 

Dubai welcomed more than 625,000 cruise tourists via a total of 157 ship calls during the last cruise season compared to 133 ship calls in the 2015-2016 season, reflecting a 15 per cent increase.

 

Al Janahi said this agreement was very important for both the entities as it has priority in tenders and auctions. 

 

"We are also exempted by P&O Marinas from importers’ registration fees, in addition to a 20 per cent reduction in the cost of renting offices, warehouses, and quays for the first three years. We highly appreciate the support PCFC’s P&O Marinas is extending to Dubai SME members," he explained. 

 

"As the government authority mandated to develop effective strategies and plans to make Dubai a global centre for innovative SMEs and an ideal launch pad for entrepreneurial projects Dubai SME seeks to create partnerships for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the SME sector," said Al Janahi.

 

P&O Marinas will also invite Dubai SME members to participate in its events in addition to offering free space to set up trade promotion activities, he added.-TradeArabia News Service