ABU DHABI, 13th February, 2019 (WAM) -- Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAEs national railway network, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ZonesCorp to establish railway and logistics facilities within the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD).

Etihad Rails logistic facility will complement the Higher Corporations Abu Dhabi Logistics City Development Project, covering an area of approximately 6 million square metres. The projects will serve the industrial entities in ICAD and Mussafah, and will provide a point of departure for goods bound for Saudi Arabia. The logistic facility will be the closest logistics point to the city of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport and Chairman of Etihad Rail, and Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities, Chairman of the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones, attended the signing ceremony. The agreement was signed by Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Saeed Eisa Mohammed Al Khyeli, Director-General of ZonesCorp.

The agreement outlines the collaboration between the two parties to form a joint leadership team and qualified task forces to follow up the progress and achievement of the project, as well as ensuring the completion of operational processes in accordance with the specified completion date, optimal performance methodologies and the relevant policies.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Theyab said, "This agreement contributes to achieving our vision to connect cities and industries with a secure and sustainable railway network. It is also part of our mission to find economic logistics solutions for the rail network to connect the entire UAE and provide outstanding services to industries and society. ZonesCorp is a key partner for Etihad Rail as it is the largest developer and operator of purpose-built industrial zones in the UAE and is playing a leading role in developing the nations industrial sector.""This agreement reinforces our efforts by which Etihad Rail seeks to support alternative and new industries through establishing a new transport system that enhances the existing infrastructure and contributes to improving freight transport. It also promotes the UAE's leading role in shipping traffic, taking advantage of its geographical and economic position as a global logistics hub," he concluded.

Al Ahbabi said, "We are happy to be partnering with Etihad Rail and supporting the development of the industrial and commercial sector in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Rails logistic facility contributes to the integration of Abu Dhabi Logistics City, in order to provide a competitive environment for investment projects in the Higher Corporations economic zones and reduce operational costs for investors.

"Constructing a logistics facility and railway track, along with the necessary infrastructure, in ICAD will contribute to consolidating logistics operations in one place, which will bring further growth in the process of handling containers and cargos, as well as logistics services. This will help Abu Dhabi to consolidate its established position on the global trade map," Al Ahbabi said.

The agreement comes in line with ZonesCorps ongoing investment in its economic zones and promotion of its continued growth. It is currently home to 650 world-class manufacturing facilities from various industrial sectors in a prime location near Abu Dhabi.

ZonesCorp plays a significant role in the success of the UAE's economy in terms of attracting direct investments from inside and outside the country. Customs exemptions are applied on all products that have been manufactured within their economic zones, which are then exported to GCC countries and all Arab countries which have signed the Free Trade Agreement. In addition to tax exemption on income, raw materials can be imported free of import duties and there are free transfer of profits; factors which contribute to developing an attractive investment option for investors.

The signing of the MoU comes as Etihad Rail prepares to embark on Stage Two of the Etihad Rail network, which will extend 605 kilometres from Ghuweifat on the UAEs border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah on the east coast, through ICAD, Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali and Khor Fakkan, to be followed by further route additions.

Copyright 2019 Emirates News Agency (WAM) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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