AJMAN, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA) has launched a new license category for e-commerce enterprises which will facilitate online business entrepreneurs’ partnerships with the free zone to tap into the growing e-commerce segment of the GCC and the region.

Mahmood Khalil Al Hashemi, General Manager, AFZA said the new license category will allow entrepreneurs to leverage the growth potential of e-commerce across B2C as well as B2B opportunities.

“By offering this new category of license, AFZA is moving with the times with e-commerce transactions surging in the UAE and the region driven by the 72.5 million internet users across MENA and the GCC. Reports suggest that B2C e-commerce sales alone will be in the range of US$13-15 billion by 2015 in the GCC from the current US$3-3.5 billion, a lucrative opportunity to tap into,” he said.

Reportedly, the UAE has the highest number of online shoppers in the Middle East with over US$ 2 billion worth of transactions, followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

“Prudent regulation and supportive policies of the government have helped investment in this segment surge in the UAE and AFZA’s move to offer the e-commerce license will further complement the country’s status as a robust destination for e-commerce ventures,” Al Hashemi said adding that “it will also help the free zone attract a new category of investors adding to its 7,000 strong investor base.”

“Apart from the licensing facility, entrepreneurs will also benefit from AFZA’s business-friendly practices and the new initiatives we have taken to offer a seamless and cost-efficient platform for businesses,” said Nader Eldesouky, Deputy General Manager, AFZA.

“There is immense potential for e-commerce in the UAE and the GCC with some 42 per cent of the population reportedly making online transactions,” he added.

Rishi Somaiya, Sales Director, AFZA, said: “The institution of the new license category was prompted by demands from existing as well as prospective investors and the need to offer a platform for the growing population of online entrepreneurs. It was inevitable that AFZA offered a cost-effective platform for online businesses in line with our reputation of facilitating business and supporting emerging investors.”

*Source: ME NewsWire