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Rakia to Introduce ‘Themed Industrial Cluster’ Concept

RAS AL KHAIMAH — The Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority, or RAKIA, one of the fastest growing free zones in the region, has announced that it is planning to launch themed industrial clusters with high-quality business and industrial environment.

Ras Al Khaimah is ideally situated to become an industrial centre in the region, and has already emerged as an import and export hub servicing the global markets in a number of industries like ceramic, cement and glass. With Rakia’s new cluster concept, Ras Al Khaimah will draw on this success by expanding its manufacturing base to produce a wide range of the products the country currently imports.

Dr.Khater Massaad, chief executive officer, Rakia, said: “Geographically concentrating industries brings a wealth of benefits like specialisation, increased productivity, less dependence on imports, reduced transaction cost, higher innovation rates and pursuit of joint solutions to common problems. By using synergies and integrated facilities the industries can learn, grow and succeed together, applying complementation and cooperation for global competition as a cluster rather than competing with 
each other.”

“Rakia has the means to provide the perfect environment for this concept with an industry-driven strategy, vast industrial land, the necessary legal framework, efficient infrastructure, premier industrial facilities and the provision for integrated common facilities like office blocks, R&D labs, warehouses and factories. As a strategic partner Rakia can identify and attract adequate companies for a harmonious homogeneity as well as define and action further growth opportunities. Our vision is to create a highly effective one-stop industry destination with world-class facilities and service,” said Massaad.

Raed Mustafa, General Manager, Industrial Parks, Rakia, said that the proposed cluster matrix includes Food, Chemical, Plastic & Rubber, Non-metallic Mineral, Primary Metal, Fabricated Metal, Electrical Equipment / Appliance/Component,Transportation, Business Park /R&D/Local Centre 
and Logistics. “Further industries could be added after thorough due diligence and evaluation. The defined industries will be strategically zoned and clustered considering maximum efficiency and connectivity. ” added Mustafa.

· ismail@khaleejtimes.com