AD Ports Group Signs Two Agreements with Kyrgyz Republic to Promote Trade with Central Asia

Agreements Open Negotiations for Land in KEZAD to Establish a Logistics Hub and Customs Zone, and the Development of a Single-Window Solution and Other Digital Services in Kyrgyzstan 

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 14 December 2022: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), the leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has signed two major agreements with the Government of Kyrgyzstan to promote trade and strengthen economic ties with the Central Asian nation.

Under the first agreement, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has entered negotiations with AD Ports Group to secure more than 300,000 square metres of land within the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) to develop and operate a logistics hub and customs area. Based within KEZAD’s Free Zone, the project will facilitate the import and export of cargo to and from the Kyrgyz Republic. 

Under the second agreement, Maqta Gateway will initiate a strategy for the Ministry of Finance for developing a customs and border management solution, infrastructure, and national single window, among other digital services, for deployment in Kyrgyzstan.

Maqta Gateway has demonstrated compelling expertise in this area, having developed and operated the Advanced Trade Platform (ATLP), the innovative single-window solution designed to unify trade and logistics services across Abu Dhabi, including sea, land, air, industrial and free zones.

The agreements build upon AD Ports Group ongoing strategy to expand its presence in Central Asia. In 2020, Kyrgyzstan exported US$70.9 million to the United Arab Emirates, with key exports including gold, aircraft parts, and refined petroleum, while the UAE recorded US$174M in trade to Kyrgyzstan.

Akylbek Zhaparov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, said: “Today is a historic day. The Kyrgyz Republic, which is one of the remotest landlocked countries, gets access to the sea. This is a big leap forward. The signed agreements will not only give a great impetus to the development of bilateral Kyrgyz-Emirati relations, but will also help our country make a powerful economic breakthrough.”

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “These dual preliminary agreements – which highlight AD Ports Group’s leadership in free zones and digital services – are an opportunity to advance relations between our two nations. Under the guidance of our wise leadership, AD Ports Group continues to expand its presence around the world, and we see Central Asia as a vital market for growth and development. We thank the Government of Kyrgyzstan for the trust they have placed in us, and we look forward to working with them to promote modernisation, digitalisation and connectivity.” 

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said: “Our preliminary agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan will be the beginning of a new chapter in UAE-Kyrgyzstan relations, with the plan for a logistics hub and customs area providing a focal point for economic development and trade between our nations. Companies will benefit from enhanced customs processes and accelerated access to market through the new trade hub, which will be supported by KEZAD’s strategic location and superlative range of specialised services.” 

Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO - Digital Cluster, AD Ports Group and CEO - Maqta Gateway, said: “We are honoured that the Government of Kyrgyzstan has engaged Maqta Gateway for the task  of developing a strategy for a full customs and border management solution, as well as a national single window to integrate trade and logistics services. This preliminary agreement reflects the trust that the Kyrgyz Republic has placed in our abilities, which will allow us to leverage our expertise and diverse portfolio of innovative technology in a key market, as AD Ports Group continues to extend its activities around the world.”