Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) in Sharjah has wrapped up three days of successful participation at the International Exhibition and Conference “India Steel 2023”, one of the largest and most important steel industry events in the world.  The conference, which took place from April 19 to 21 at the Mumbai Exhibition Centre, brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the globe, as well as major commercial and manufacturing companies.

During the three-day gathering, HFZA showcased its facilities and services, positioning Sharjah as an attractive investment destination. The team engaged with major companies and brands operating in the global steel sector, as well as exhibition visitors interested in establishing their businesses in the free zone. In addition to highlighting Sharjah’s strategic location and the ease of setting up a business at HFZA, the team provided insights into the current trends and dynamics of the global steel industry for prospective investors.

The free zone also showcased several benefits of setting up a business in its industrial manufacturing park, which houses the largest number of steel manufacturers in the MENA region and offers competitive advantages and services that attract investors from both within and outside the country. The park also boasts over 180 companies operating in welding and mining, using HFZA as a gateway to the global market.

Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of HFZA, said: “Our active participation in international exhibitions and forums is aimed at showcasing the distinctive infrastructure and investment environment of Hamriyah Free Zone and the Emirate of Sharjah as a whole, aligning with our investors’ ambitions to connect with major global markets. The biennial India Steel Show 2023 serves as an exceptional platform to engage with industry leaders, acquire insights on future growth potential, and discover collaboration opportunities in the rapidly evolving Indian market. This comes in line with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and India, which the two nations recently signed. India is among the UAE’s most significant investment partners, with substantial mutual investments, and iron and steel rank among the top commodities exported from the UAE to India.

“During the event, we showcased a series of exceptional advantages tailored to boost investors’ businesses, including being able to operate within a global hub for the iron and steel industry,” Al Mazrouei noted, adding that the free zone enjoys a strategic location for specialized heavy industries.

“Additionally, HFZA team introduced our platform’s visitors to a wide range of solutions that were designed to help industry stakeholders reach new markets and expand their businesses, let alone the logistical capabilities, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and support services that not only attract investments but also catapult investors’ businesses to the next level. This has resulted in HFZA becoming a preferred choice for numerous major international iron and steel companies,” the free zone’s director stated.

India Steel is a comprehensive platform designed to foster the growth of the iron and steel industry by showcasing cutting-edge technologies, innovative products, equipment, and tools used in steel production. The event unites renowned international experts to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, identify solutions, and devise strategies for the industry’s future. Attracting professionals from steel-related sectors worldwide, including oil and gas, construction, and other light and heavy industries, the event has also become an ideal platform for showcasing technical solutions that boost productivity, efficiency, and the latest technological advancements in steel production.

Meanwhile, Gulftainer Co. Ltd., a leading privately owned, independent port management and Integrated logistics company, announced the arrival of a new container service at its Sharjah Container Terminal servicing Berbera in Somalia.

Gulftainer is committed to supporting the growth of trade and commerce in the region through its support of the SHASOM service launched by Port Shipping. This service will facilitate smooth connectivity and enable businesses in Somalia and the UAE to gain access to worldwide markets.

“It is our pleasure to welcome Port Shipping at our Sharjah Container Terminal. This new addition will enable Somali importers to conveniently access Sharjah’s significant industrial and commodity sectors. The increasing number of direct services to and from Sharjah is a growing trend due to its strategic location. Sharjah provides a seamless adaptable, and cost-effective advantage, as well as faster transit times to and from critical markets,” stated Andrew Hoad, Chief Commercial Official at Gulftainer Co. Ltd.

 The maiden voyage of the SHASOM service began on April 17th, departing from Sharjah and arriving at Berbera port after a transit time of only six days. The service rotation will be Sharjah, Berbera, Garacad, Mogadishu and Sharjah and is expected to operate with a frequency of two sailings per month, offering customers a reliable and efficient option to transport their goods.