RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE, December 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) marked its presence in a big way at the 9th World Free Zone Convention (WFZC) which was organised in Hyderabad from 9th to 10th December 2009. WFZC is an annual event and is "The No. 1 Meeting Place for the World's Free Zones".

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091211/370614 )

Oussama El Omari, CEO of RAK FTZ had been invited by the organisers as a guest speaker on the topic 'Branding Zones and Communications Strategies as Investment Enablers' to highlight the success model of the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone. Some 150 delegates who attended the convention were highly impressed with the growth of the Free Zone despite the financial crisis that hit many countries since last year and more specifically the innovative strategies that are being put in place to attract FDI in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

The Convention which was chaired by Graham Mather, Chairman of World Free Zone Convention & President, European Policy Forum, London & Brussels, saw the participation of renowned speakers from Investment Promotion Agencies, Corporate and Location Specialists as well as Government Ministries, Investors, Banks and other Financial Advisers, and delegates from around 20 countries.

During the gala dinner at the Novotel Airport Hotel in Hyderabad, India on 9th December, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone's informative, user-friendly and easy-to-navigate website, http://www.rakftz.com, was awarded as 'Best Website of a Free Zone or Export Processing Zone' from The World Free Zone Convention (WFZC), amongst stiff global competition. The distinction was awarded by Graham on behalf of the convention's sponsor IPA World Global Trade and Investment News.

WFZC has long acknowledged the positive values of the internet as an effective means of communication, especially in this divergent and regional world market. Since 2002, it has been recognising global companies in two categories: Category One - Best Website of a Free Zone or Export Processing Zone and Category Two - Best Website of a National, Regional or Local Government entity, Association or any other organisation represented at the Convention.

The websites are judged on visual impact, depth and clarity of information, user friendliness, and site guidance. In 2008, RAK FTZ already garnered the runner up award in the same category.

"We are simply delighted with this recognition," shared Oussama El Omari, CEO of RAK FTZ, who attended the event as a guest speaker for the convention's forums and seminars. He added, "We are always launching new value-added services for our clients, and one of the first ones, to which we dedicated a lot of time and effort, was our website. Our website is a reflection of our business and is often the first that impression someone will get as to who we are and what we do, so it must accurately portray our values and philosophies, as well as the quality of service that is available at RAK FTZ. How else can you attract new clients, if their first interaction with you - which is usually a through a visit to your website - is already a disappointing failure?"

Re-launched in 2008, the RAK FTZ website, which is rigorously upgraded and updated by a dedicated team, offers a power-packed and interactive experience for current and prospective clients. With the aim to make transactions as convenient and straightforward as possible, RAK FTZ's Creative Section has worked on translating the website into the different languages that majority groups of the free zone's clients speak, including English, German, Turkish, Russian and Arabic.

One of the main features of the website is the Business Forum, where visitors can ask questions and receive all the information they need to set up a business in the UAE, from the local culture, economy and market atmosphere to taxes, government regulations and more.

The talk delivered by El Omari during the convention, perfectly complemented 'The Best Website' award, which focused on the importance of creating a difference in brand equity and place branding in the minds of investors. Using the UAE as an example, he highlighted the significance and importance of branding, in view of the crisis that is happening in Dubai and the expected recovery of the UAE, and the need for Ras Al Khaimah to create a mark that will give it a credible and profitable position in the investor's mind.

At the WFZC, El Omari also had high level discussions with top officials of the Special Economic Zones including the State of Tamil Nadu in India to work out collaboration between their SEZ and RAK FTZ that will be beneficial to both parties. RAK FTZ will be looking into the possibility of partnering with the major SEZs in India and to see how the companies operating in their SEZs can use RAK FTZ as a central hub for the Middle East and North Africa markets. As the market in the MENA region increase, having a facility in RAK FTZ, which offers strong tax incentives to business, is an important component of any manufacturer's global strategy.

Since its creation in 2000, RAK FTZ is today accommodating more than 1600 companies from India and this figure will increase significantly in 2010. WFZC was definitely a good platform for the branding of RAK FTZ and many delegates both Indian and foreign, have shown keen interest to know more about the opportunities that exist for them and to learn from the experience of RAK FTZ.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) is a world-class business hub and a vehicle for industrial growth and development. The Free Trade Zone, with its cutting-edge technology and keen customer focus, offers on-demand and custom-built support services to investors in a cost-effective and flexible environment. The Free Trade Zone also offers a range of unique services, which include legal, human resources and marketing assistance.

RAK FTZ has created a system of four Parks - Business Park, Industrial Park, Technology Park and Al Ghayl Industrial Park - which offer identical advantages and benefits to investors. Backed by legislations allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership, a tax-free environment, transparent laws and 100 per cent capital and profit repatriation, the free trade zone is well positioned for global commerce.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is one of the fastest growing free trade zones, with companies from 106 countries around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.rakftz.com.

    Contact:

    Cleo Eleazar
    Public Relations and Media Officer
    Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority (RAK FTZA)
    Email: c.eleazar@rakftz.com
    Phone: +971-7-2077173

SOURCE Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone

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