A bilateral link-up looms between a vibrant freeport zone in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC) which is expected to result in a wide range of mutual benefits for both the Philippines and the Middle Eastern territory.

This developed as the Hamriyah Free Zone in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE sent a communication to the SCADC expressing interest in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for exchanges of information and experiences in connection with the operation of Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ), Subic Bay Freeport (SBF), and Hamriyah Free Zone.

SCADC, chaired by Nestor S. Mangio, who is also the current chairman of the board of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), is a government agency mandated to rationalize resources and harmonize policies and strategies that would ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to the development of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Corridor as a world-class mega-logistic hub and global gateway to the Asia-Pacific Region. It is composed of the Department of Trade and Industry, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark Development Corporation, North Luzon Railways Corporation, and CIAC.

In a letter to Erlinda B. Pamintuan, chief of staff of SCADC, Rashid Al Leem, director general of Hamriya Free Zone stated that the freeport zones "have a lot to draw from our experiences, share and learn from each other."

"In this regard, we would like to suggest for an MoU to be signed between our Free Zones occupying leadership positions and sterling track record to capture and enhance efficiency opportunities in the realm of Free Zone operations," Al Leem said in the letter dated December 27, 2010.

A certain Mr. Raj, Head of Program Management of Hamriyah Free Zone was designated to provide SCADC with a draft MoU.

According to its website, the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority was established by an Emiri decree issued in November 12, 1995.

Sharjah is known for its strength as the industrial backbone of UAE, with 40 percent of the total number of industries in the Union is based in this Emirate. Majority of these industries are petrochemicals, textiles, leather, food and basic non-metal industries.

Pamintuan welcomed the interest of Hamriyah Free Zone to tie-up for information sharing with SCADC even as she pointed out that the proposed MoU was one big positive gain in efforts of the council to promote both the CFZ and SBF in international business and scene.

"This is a welcome development. This is a proof that our effort to promote Clark and Subic as a strategic international trading and investment destinations is continuously getting off the ground. Now, more and more people around the world are getting interested in Clark and Subic," she said in a statement.