Jafza’s steel and building materials trade hits $3.7bn

Dubai logistics hub Jafza has announced that trade in steel and building materials reached Dhs13.5bn ($3.7bn) in 2016, with further increases expected this year as the free zone continues to develop services in the sector.

The hub for global trade enabler DP World, Jafza has more than 967 companies from 87 countries operating in the steel and building materials sector, and group chairman and CEO of DP World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said at the weekend that more is to come for the free zone and its businesses.

During an announcement of Jafza’s participation in the Big 5 exhibition taking place in Dubai from November 26-29, he said: “Ongoing construction projects in the UAE and GCC are a strong boost for the metal, steel and construction sector in Jafza as companies benefit from the growth in development projects throughout the region.

“The robust health of this vital sector of the economy reflects the ongoing infrastructure development and the role Jafza plays in enabling companies to maximise their potential by providing comprehensive services.

“This is in line with the economic vision and the 2071 strategy of the UAE government, as well as the industrial plans of Dubai which aims to create new economic sectors and reshape existing ones through innovation and foreign direct investment.”