KARACHI, May 6: Deputy Director General, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF), Sheikh Saqer Bin Rashid Al- Qassemi has said that the zone will give a special discount of 10 per cent on zone charges to the intending investors if they process their agreements until May 16, 2003.

He said his marketing team is also organizing road shows in Karachi and Lahore. The team intends to stay in the country until May 16, and all the investors would also be given special assistance during this period.

Addressing a press conference at a local hotel on Tuesday, he invited local businessmen to invest in Saif Zone as it also offers 100 per cent foreign ownership, 100pc exemption from import/export duties and access to over two billion consumers.

The zone also provides facilities like 25-year lease extended to a similar period, abundant and inexpensive energy, sponsorship and visas for all staff, strategic location and no deposit required for cargo in transit between the Sharjah ports and Saif Zone, the director general said.

The zone has a very prime location (adjacent to Sharjah International Airport) offering investors a variety of choices and strategic advantages for exporters, importers and industrial establishments.

Pakistan is the second largest investor in the zone after India. Saif Zone, which started from a mere 55 companies in 1995, has now 962 companies from over 58 countries worldwide. Among which 132 companies are into industrial manufacturing, 246 into services and the remaining 613 are engaged in trading.

He said in March 2003, the management launched the new facilities of multi-storey executive office suites and new sizes of warehouses to accommodate all types of industries and activities.

He said Asia and the Middle East are the new markets that would be targeted by participating in different exhibitions and conferences.

Sheikh Saqer said that the zone is free of any red-tape and it offers fast and simple procedures with focus on exceeding customer expectations at all times.