In line with the Make it in the Emirates initiative, leading Zambian cable maker Neelkanth Cables has inaugurated its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at TECOM Group’s Dubai Industrial City, among the region’s largest industrial and logistics hubs. Representing an investment of Dhs130 million, the factory spans 503,000 sq.ft. and will accommodate 200 employees.

The inauguration was held with the participation of Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group, alongside high-level officials and dignitaries.

Omar Al Suwaidi said, “The National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology primarily supports the advancement of the industrial business environment and investment attractiveness of this vital sector, which boasts innovative incentives and enablers. The ministry cooperates with strategic partners such as Dubai Industrial City to showcase investment opportunities to local and international investors and stakeholders.”

He added, “We welcome industrial sector investors and provide them with incentives and enablers to grow and thrive, as well as enhance their competitiveness under the Make it in the Emirates initiative, National ICV and Technology Transformation Programmes, among others. Their appetite for expansion in the UAE reflects the country’s attractiveness to international companies. The ministry cooperates with strategic partners to create a business environment that helps manufacturers grow and compete in local, regional and international markets.”

He called on investors and industrial companies to explore competitive advantages at the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum, organised by the ministry in cooperation with ADNOC and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), taking place on May 27 and 28 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre under the theme ‘Invest. Innovate. Grow’.

He noted, “The forum will see the announcement of new initiatives, as well as the signing of agreements and memorandums of understanding to enhance incentives and enablers. It will drive technological transformation, innovation and the competitiveness of Emirati products, unlocking procurement and investment opportunities worth billions of dirhams.”

“Local manufacturing capacity wields a profound economic impact by not only producing essential infrastructure, but also acting as catalysts for economic growth, job creation, and global expansion,” said Saud Abu Alshawareb.

“We are proud to welcome Neelkanth Cables to our growing industrial community, and its facility aligns with our vision of nurturing a home-grown manufacturing ecosystem that enables the manufacturing of essential items like cables, thereby driving growth in the industrial sector.”