Djibouti, August 23, 2007 - The Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and the Government of Djibouti discussed today the proposed economic partnership between the two regions in setting up and running of an economic zone in Djibouti.

A senior official from Djibouti paid an official visit to the (RAK FTZ) for this particular purpose and to explore investment opportunities available for business community in the emirate.

Mohammed Barkat, a Minister in the Djibouti Government was received by Oussama El Omari, the zone's CEO and Secretary General of the WEPZA. The visit of the officials was an episode in the chain of visits which different official bodies from around the world conduct to explore investment opportunities in RAK FTZ.

The Djibouti's officials was introduced to the best practices the RAK FTZ has implemented, and hailed the rapid development of business ties between Ras Al Khaimah and Djibouti and called for further efforts to enlarge bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Oussama El Omari said that this partnership between the two regions will open up new avenues.

This visit came in the framework of the ongoing support from the WEPZA Organization to the emerging regions to set up economic zones. The international body of the WEPZA provides the emerging free/economic zones with all the necessary consultations needed for development.

Djibouti has earlier signed agreements with official UAE departments including the Dubai Customs and Ports Authority which runs and develops the administrative and financial systems and procedures for Djibouti Customs.