Latest news with #CustomsandFreeZoneCorporation


Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
PCFC and Ghana to establish economic zone, digital incubator
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Government of Ghana have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Ghana's first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to accelerate the country's transformation into a regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa. The MoU was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation. Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometre area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone's operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. The MoU also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC's commitment to supporting the UAE's global outreach and sharing Dubai's pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. 'This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC's role as a key contributor to Dubai's knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai's status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation.'' He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana's trust in PCFC's expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. 'This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana's industrial and technological infrastructure.'' Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana's economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. 'This initiative aligns with Ghana's vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.' In February, The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Cordiant Capital, a global investor in infrastructure and real assets, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance their strategic collaboration to strengthen Dubai's agriculture value chain and bolster its food security initiatives. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will work together to explore opportunities to optimise end-to-end agricultural value chains from origin-producing countries to Dubai through infrastructure investments, strategic trade corridors, and supply chain solutions. The MoU was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Cédric Garnier-Landurie, Partner and Head of Agriculture Value Chain at Cordiant Capital, in a ceremony held at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. This partnership reinforces PCFC's commitment to developing innovative logistics and supply chain solutions aligned with Dubai's long-term vision for sustainable food security. The collaboration between PCFC and Cordiant Capital paves the way for the two parties to cooperate in: Building Next-Generation Cold Chain Networks: Implementing advanced cold-chain logistics systems that will maintain optimal freshness from farm to table, dramatically reducing food waste while ensuring consistent quality of perishable goods. Enhancing Dubai's Position as a Fresh Food Hub: Supporting Dubai's goal of becoming a global hub for fresh food distribution by leveraging PCFC's logistical capabilities and Cordiant's investment expertise in agriculture supply chains. Strategic Trade Corridors: Strengthening efficient, digitally enabled trade routes that optimize the movement of agricultural products while reducing transportation costs and environmental impact. Advancing National Food Security: Supporting Dubai's vision of becoming a leader in food security by investing in sustainable agricultural practices and cutting-edge supply chain solutions. Technology and Innovation: Deploying advanced technologies including IoT sensors, AI-powered analytics, and blockchain-enabled tracking systems to create unprecedented visibility and efficiency across the entire supply chain. These initiatives will support Dubai's ambitious food security strategy, which aims to enhance the emirate's agricultural self-sufficiency and diversify its food sources. The partnership leverages PCFC's unparalleled logistics expertise and Cordiant Capital's agricultural and infrastructure investment expertise to support fresh food supply chains in key markets. WAM


Hi Dubai
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
PCFC Signs MoU with Ghana to Develop First Economic Zone and Digital Incubator in Accra
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) of Dubai has signed a landmark agreement with the Government of Ghana to establish the country's first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra, marking a major step in positioning Ghana as a regional tech hub. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation. The deal grants PCFC a 25 square kilometer area in Accra to develop and operate the zone. The initiative aims to accelerate digital transformation in West Africa by attracting global technology companies, enhancing digital infrastructure, and supporting investment and innovation across the region. 'This project reflects Dubai's commitment to global collaboration and sharing its model of innovation-led development,' said bin Sulayem. He emphasized PCFC's role in promoting sustainable growth, technology advancement, and knowledge-based economies worldwide. Ghana's Minister Samuel Nartey George noted that the economic zone aligns with the country's broader digital agenda. 'It will play a pivotal role in attracting international businesses and talent, placing Accra on the map as a prime destination for tech investment.' Joint teams from both countries, including experts in AI and investment, will oversee the project. The zone is expected to empower local businesses, drive job creation, and boost regional economic connectivity. The agreement marks a strategic milestone in UAE-Ghana relations and underscores a shared commitment to digital innovation and inclusive growth across Africa. News Source: Dubai Media Office


Emirates 24/7
01-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
PCFC Launches 'Digital Zero Four' to Drive Global Technological Innovation in the Logistics Sector
In a strategic move marking a major shift in innovation and smart technology, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) officially announced the launch of 'Digital Zero Four' the first national company specializing in smart transformation of commercial operations and the development of digital solutions that support global economic growth. On this occasion, H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, emphasized that the establishment of the company and its launch from Dubai—widely recognized as the leading hub for innovation and smart technology solutions and the global capital of trade and economy—reaffirms the Corporation's commitment to cementing Dubai's status as a world center for technology, smart systems, and logistics and trade operations. He noted that Digital 04mwill serve as a digital gateway for the most advanced smart solutions in global business, trade, and logistics services, including ports and maritime transport. Bin Sulayem stated, 'Today, with the launch of Digital 04, we are proud to lead global technological innovation and export our pioneering services in the port sector—developed through innovative use of technology and digital services—to the world. Our aim is to make Dubai a model city for managing logistics services using the best technologies developed by our national talents specialized in technology and artificial intelligence'. He added that the launch of Digital Zero Four is a result of the Corporation's artificial intelligence strategy and aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. It embodies Dubai's forward-looking vision by investing in human capital and advanced technology, leveraging the emirate's world-class infrastructure, and strengthening its position as one of the most business-friendly environments for both national and international investments. H.E. Nasser Al Neyadi, CEO of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, stated: 'We are proud to launch Digital Zero Four as a commercial front for our technological excellence in the logistics sector. Our national team has developed AI-powered solutions that are transforming multiple industries. Through this new arm, we aim to export innovation to global markets and further boost Dubai's position as a global center for smart technologies and digital transformation'. Al Neyadi explained that Digital Zero Four focuses on providing AI-backed services and solutions that enhance efficiency and institutional growth across key sectors, including commercial licensing, civil engineering, port security, maritime operations, and advanced customs solutions. The company will be managed by the PCFC's Technology and Digital Transformation sector, ensuring a blend of institutional expertise and advanced digital innovation. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.


Hi Dubai
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Digital Zero Four Launches to Drive Global Smart Transformation from Dubai
Dubai has officially launched Digital Zero Four, the UAE's first national company dedicated to smart transformation in commercial operations, marking a significant leap in the country's digital innovation strategy. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), aims to position Dubai at the forefront of global trade and logistics technology. Announced by H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the PCFC, the launch aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reflects the emirate's ambitions to lead in AI-powered solutions and smart systems. 'Digital Zero Four will be our gateway to exporting cutting-edge smart technologies and services to global markets,' said bin Sulayem. He emphasized Dubai's growing role as a model city for digital innovation, powered by local talent and world-class infrastructure. The company will focus on AI-driven services across commercial licensing, port security, maritime operations, civil engineering, and advanced customs solutions. It will operate under the PCFC's Technology and Digital Transformation sector to integrate institutional expertise with smart innovation. H.E. Nasser Al Neyadi, CEO of the PCFC, highlighted the company's role as a commercial platform for showcasing national digital capabilities. 'We're not just creating solutions for Dubai—we're creating solutions for the world,' he said. The launch of Digital Zero Four reflects Dubai's ongoing investment in future-ready technologies and reinforces its status as a global hub for innovation, trade, and economic development. News Source: Dubai Media Office


Filipino Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Dubai launches AI strategy to make government services faster, smarter
Dubai's Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) has officially launched its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, aiming to make government services quicker and more efficient for the public. The move is in line with the orders of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) to push for more AI use in different sectors. PCFC said the goal is to use AI to automate their services and make them easier for people to access. Nasser Al Neyadi, CEO of PCFC, said the plan includes turning all services into smart and self-managed processes. This means requests like no-objection certificates (NOCs) will be processed faster using AI tools, including voice and text response systems. By the end of 2025, the Corporation wants all IT staff trained in international AI programs. One of their upcoming services is a smart assistant named 'Naham' which will be available on their website, WhatsApp, and mobile app to help customers anytime. Dr. Mohammed Jumaa Rahma from PCFC shared that their own local team developed the system. The first office to benefit is the Dubai Maritime Authority, with other units to follow before the end of 2025.