There is no doubt that the Middle East is one of the world ’ s key strategic business footholds but for small and medium - sized enterprises , expansion into the overseas market could be an unrealistic dream . But the Ajman Free Zone , one of the United Arab Emirates ’ smallest units of its kind , may be a valid and down - to - earth alternative for SMEs , especially technology - focused Korean companies . “ We sought to find our own competitiveness and differentiate ourselves from other economic zones within the UAE , which are obviously larger and economically more influential than us , ” Mahmood Al Hashemi , general manager of the AFZ Authority , told The Korea Herald . “ Our theme is thus to focus on SMEs , which make up some 80 percent of the foreign companies in Ajman . ” Al Hashemi came to Korea this week to hold an investment briefing and to attend one - on - one consultation sessions with individual companies . “ Because we have our eye on small , technology - based industries , our idea is to offer them a comprehensive smart business package , including offices , licenses , visas , and more , ” he said . The geographical location of Ajman , too , may be a point of attraction for those who wish to establish a trading hub in the Middle East . “ The very term ‘ Middle East ’ implies the region ’ s location , between Europe , Africa and Asia , ” the AFZA official said . Being in the heart of the Middle East and in close proximity to Dubai , Ajman is an ideal base point for companies which hope to expand out into the world , he added . The AFZA was established in 1996 as an autonomous free zone entity to add momentum to industrial activity , which had quadrupled in size in the preceding years . As a means to attract foreign investors and potential business champions , the free zone offers a series of benefits , such as an extremely low - cost and long - term lease of real estate and a monthly installment payment system . “ This unique payment system , which allows the tenant companies to pay their rent and other fees in smaller units on a monthly basis , is gaining popularity among SME people and young investors around the world , ” Al Hashemi said . The emirate will not , however , just settle with small - sized companies but expand its business domain further , he added . “ For the next year or so , we will continue to promote the entry of SMEs but we also hold a long - term vision to reach out to larger business units in the future , ” he said . The AFZA is currently building facilities such as warehouses and large offices , considering that bigger companies would need sufficient land and autonomy . “ Korean companies , over the past decades , have proven themselves to be fast - working , efficient , objective - driven , as well as highly innovative in terms of technology , ” the official said . Also , they are strong in trading , services and nano technology ― some of the top priority business sectors for the emirate , he added . “ Our key purpose of the visit this time is to grasp the detailed needs of Korean SMEs so that we may build a solid package for them . ” By Bae Hyun - jung ( tellme @ heraldcorp . com ) [ Hot News ] ◆ 朴 대통령 아세안 정상회의 서 도 ' 세일즈 외교 ' 주력 ◆ 미국 새 연준 의장 에 재닛 옐런 현 부의장 ◆ 세계 최초 휘 는 화면 스마트폰 ' 갤럭시 라운드 ' 출시 ◆ " 삼성 , 실리콘밸리 서 인수 대상 업체 물색 " ◆ 따뜻 한 의학 드라마 ' 굿 닥터 ' 시청 률 . .. 더 많 은 기사 보 러 가 기 → [ 코리아 헤럴드 홈페이지 ] [ 트위터 ] [ 페이스북 ] 구독 신청 1588 - 0533