German Minister visits RAK FTZ
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah received Minister Christa Thoben Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and Dr. Ron Brinitzer, Head of Ministers Office along with senior members of their team at the palace and gave them a taste of warm Arabian hospitality with a traditional welcome. At the palace, they discussed the current economic situation and other topics of mutual concern, and His Highness Sheikh Saud, gave them an overview of the current developments in the quickly-evolving Emirate of RAK that have to potential to benefit both parties.
Minister Thoben and the rest of the team also visited the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and were received by His Highness Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of RAK FTZ. The visit served to further strengthen business and economic ties between Ras Al Khaimah and Germany. During the meeting, discussion focused on expanding trade and investment and new avenues of cooperation including energy and education.
"The relationship between Germany and Ras Al Khaimah has grown through increased trade, tourism and investment flows between the two regions. What we are looking into now is how we can further strengthen these economic ties that have proven to be highly beneficial for both parties," said Sheikh Faisal. He highlighted the contribution of the 210 German-owned companies registered at RAK FTZ and mentioned that "this just demonstrates the strong relationship between Ras Al Khaimah and Germany." He also reiterated that "Ras Al Khaimah is committed to doubling its efforts to meet the needs and tap the full potential of the two fast-growing economies and increase trade volume."
He went on to emphasize the important role of RAK FTZ’s office in Germany, which gives the zone a direct link to the country and a pulse on the business environment and atmosphere there. He said, "This office has played a fundamental role in attracting German and European businesses to base their regional operations at RAK FTZ and introduce business opportunities available there to new investors." This year alone, the RAK FTZ office in Cologne has registered 60 new companies.
Afterwards, the Minister took a tour of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Women’s College, one of UAE’s premiere educational institution for women, where she had the opportunity to meet with university students and graduates who are already engaged in a variety of businesses in RAK and gain valuable insight into the educational services and career opportunities for women in the region.
Delighted with their warm reception in Ras Al Khaimah, the delegation was happy to observe that that the emirate, with its picturesque environment, is rapidly developing into an important business, trade and tourism hub within the region. Minister Thoben expressed her hopes for the continuation of excellent business relations and for new avenues of cooperation in the future.
