AD Ports Group (ADPORTS) has announced that it has signed multiple collaboration agreements with Shandong Port Group (SPG), extending its cooperation to attract Chinese automotive companies.

The deal leverages the 'Sister Ports' agreement between Shandong Port and Khalifa Port to forge a partnership and strengthen cooperation between the two, announced in December 2021.

[Source: ADPORTS]

ADPORTS said under the agreement, SPG will transport passenger vehicles from its ports in China to Autoterminal Khalifa Port, to be stored and displayed within facilities in KEZAD.

The agreements covering all aspects of the operations, display and services were signed at an event at Autoterminal Khalifa Port, which has already received the first batch of vehicles.

"The new cooperation is established to strengthen the position of Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination for the Chinese Automotive Industry," ADPORTS said.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, noted that the agreement leverages the value various clusters of AD Ports Group bring to businesses.

"As an integrated hub for trade, logistics and Industry, KEZAD Group continues to support the development of the diversified economy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in line with the vision of our wise leadership. We will continue to work with like-minded conglomerates like SPG to achieve this aim. Both Groups are active players in implementing China's Belt and Road Initiative, further promoting trade cooperation and accelerating growth," Al Hameli said.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: "We are pleased to be entering into this collaborative partnership with Shandong Ports Group, an agreement that signifies the convergence of shared vision and mutual growth. The impressive infrastructure and the unrivalled operational efficiency of Khalifa Port and KEZAD are a testament to the exceptional vision and strategic foresight of the UAE Leadership."

"Our agreements with Shandong Ports Group underscore our commitment to fostering global connections and serving as a catalyst for economic growth. As we embark on this journey together, we are poised to redefine logistics and port operations, setting new benchmarks for the industry at large whilst driving prosperity and further strengthening our position globally," Al Mazrouei added.

MENA centre in the UAE

Jai Funing, deputy general manager of Shandong Port Group, noted that SPG has always advocated that "transportation is the artery of the economy, and the link to that binds civilisation."

"SPG plans to establish MENA regional centre in the UAE and in Abu Dhabi, more specifically, in 2023. By continuously improving the overseas supply chain of product exports, it will rapidly improve the overseas market competitiveness of China's tire and commercial vehicle industries, SPG firmly believes in reaching a higher level of cooperation with AD Ports Group in the future," Funing added.