Doha, February 03 (QNA) - GAC has signed an agreement with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) to establish a contract logistics facility and office in the Ras Bufontas Free Zone. The agreement with GAC will play an important role in expanding the logistics offerings for QFZA and Qatar, strengthening supply chains and bolstering Qatar's position as a global hub for trade.
The virtual signing ceremony was attended by HE Minister of State and Chairman of QFZA Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, GAC Group Executive Chairman & Trustee Bjorn Engblom, Chief Executive Officer of QFZA Lim Meng Hui and Deputy CEO of QFZA Abdulla Al Misnad.
The purpose-built 27,000 sqm multi-user contract logistics facility, due to be completed in the first quarter of 2022, will be built from sustainable materials, partly fueled by solar power, have several energy-saving features and use recycled water in its operations.
The warehouse will serve key sectors including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food & beverage (F&B), fashion, sports, energy, aerospace and healthcare. It will maintain temperatures ranging from -18 C to +22 C to support cold chain operations and will feature dedicated mezzanine levels for Value-Added Services activities such as component assembly, repacking and labelling to enhance customers' supply chains.
GAC's marine and offshore services will be well supported by Marsa Port, the marine cluster in Qatar Free Zones. Its operations at the port will serve the energy companies active in the North Field expansion projects.
Chief Executive Officer of QFZA Lim Meng Hui praised the partnership and said: "We welcome the partnership with GAC and we are pleased to see them join the group of logistics companies in Qatar Free Zones. The role of the free zones is to partner with companies who bring services that our local and regional market needs, allowing them to grow and our economy to grow with them. To bring in the worlds best companies to the zones, we are focused on sectors where we have a strong value proposition for these companies."
Meanwhile Engblom said: "As a pioneer of contract logistics in the region in 1993, GAC continues to augment its capabilities in this area at key locations globally. This agreement with the Qatar Free Zones marks another exciting milestone for GAC as we continue to invest in and expand our service offerings in strategic areas.
"We have seen robust demand for GAC's logistics services including integrated solutions for the energy sector, and foresee even greater opportunities in Qatar in the lead-up to the global football sporting event in 2022 and as the North Field expansion projects progress. Qatar Free Zones is an excellent base for our contract logistics operations in the country from which we will serve our local and international clients," Engblom added. (QNA)