A special delegation of leading Pakistani media representatives met with the management of Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority (RAK FTZ). Representing CNBC, ARY News, Samaa TV, and Business Recorder, the delegates were in Ras Al Khaimah for a two-day familiarisation tour, organized by the Free Zone with the aim to widen its network and spread awareness about its products and services among Pakistani businesses.
Commenting on the visit, Oussama El Omari, RAK FTZ CEO said, "Pakistan is an economic force just waiting to be tapped. Even in the face of the global economic downturn, it continues to exhibit great potential, with rich natural resources and burgeoning enterprises only needing a little push in the right direction to conquer the international market."
The familiarisation tour spotlighted RAK FTZ's key products and services, with special focus on RAK FTZ’s Business, Technology, and Industrial Parks, as well as Saqr Port.
The media delegation met with representatives of Pakistani companies already operating within RAK FTZ, who gave them firsthand insight about the convenience of setting up a business within the free zone; and they also had the opportunity to conduct one-on-one interviews with El Omari, who explained the different business types, licenses and facilities available.
"We are very keen to see the results of this visit. Targeting these key media representatives will widen our reach – their readership includes businesspeople from leading corporations, family-owned businesses, and small and medium enterprises across all industries. We are very optimistic that this event will eventually lead to long-term partnerships with some of them." El Omari remarked.
Aside from touring RAK FTZ facilities, the media delegation also enjoyed and explored the emirate's other attractions. Many expressed their appreciation of the local tourist sites as well as the state-of-the-art facilities that they observed within RAK FTZ premises.
Earlier this year, The Free Zone was a silver sponsor of the IT Telecom and Exhibition Conference Asia (ITCN Asia) held in Karachi, Pakistan, the biggest event of its kind in the region. Participation proved to be a phenomenal success, resulting in 53 companies registering with RAK FTZ during the first half of 2009. To date, there are 284 Pakistani companies within RAK FTZ.
As further evidence of its strategic commitment to strengthening trade relations with Pakistan, RAK FTZ conducted a road show in Karachi and Lahore, on 21st to 24th October, to follow up after the delegation’s visit and continue its marketing campaign in Pakistan.