Jafza International launches Phase II of its Djibouti Free Zone project
Jafza International, a subsidiary of Economic Zones World today inaugurated Phase II of its Djibouti Free Zone (DFZ) project comprising the development of light industrial units, warehouses and office facilities.
Prime Minister of Djibouti, Mr. Mohamed Dileita and Mr. Chuck Heath, Managing Director, Jafza International together cut the ribbon to officially mark the DFZ Phase II inauguration which coincides with the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the independence of the country falling on the 27th of June.
In his remarks on the occasion, the prime minister said: ‘Djibouti is really proud about its partnership with Jafza International and the development of Djibouti Free Zone project.’
‘We believe in this partnership to build together the economic success of Djibouti,’ The Prime Minister added.
Mr. Heath said: ‘Djibouti’s strategic location and stability, coupled with Jafza International’s proficiency in managing the free zone, has made it possible for us to witness this day. The expansion of our vision in Djibouti, which goes beyond this free zone, is a testament to our commitment to the people of Djibouti, and our shared future.’
‘Our mission in Djibouti is to position the free zone as the regional logistics, distribution and marketing hub for the import, warehousing, processing, and re-export of goods to and from eastern African countries.’
‘Jafza International is committed to the expansion of its operations in Djibouti. In addition to the Phase II development of this free zone, we are working on the development of pioneering project in the African continent by providing an air-sea-land trade link for neighboring land-locked states through an airport free zone, and another SEZ in the near future,’ he added.
The Free Zone’s phase II project comprises 280,700 sq feet of space for light industrial units and warehousing facilities, and 23,000 sq feet of office space. The free zone today houses 79 companies, with over half of the office space and a quarter of the warehousing facilities booked even before beginning of construction.
The Djibouti Free Zone, which was started under the management and operations of Jafza International in 2004, is located on 32 hectares with over 120,000 sq feet of warehousing facilities.
Economic Zone World’s parent company, Dubai World, is by far the largest UAE investor in Djibouti, with a portfolio exceeding US$800 Million. Apart from free zone operator Jafza International, Dubai World subsidiaries DP World, Dubai Customs World and Nakheel Hotels & Resorts have major stakes in Djibouti’s development.
DP World operates the Djibouti seaport, DC World has modernized Djibouti Customs and is managing it with considerable success, while Nakheel opened the country’s first five-star hotel and resort, the Kempinski Djibouti Palace, last November on a high note by hosting a major conference of the Common Market for Southern and Eastern Africa (COMESA).
Businesses within the Djibouti Free Zone are engaged in trading of food and beverage, construction material, automobiles and spare parts, cigarettes, textile and garments etc., whereas light industrial activities in the free zone include production of medical gasses, LPG bottling, manufacture of food products etc. Services in the zone include express cargo handlers, credit support activities and logistics companies.
