A high-level delegation from Astrakhan region of Russia has visited Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, SAIF Zone, with a trade and Investment mission.

The delegation led by Sergey N. Krzhanovskiy, Deputy Chairman of the Government and Minister of Industry, Transport and Natural Resources of Astrakhan region, met with Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, SAIF Zone and Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, HFZA, and discussed bilateral cooperation.

Mr. Krzhanovskiy shed light on the trade activities of Astrakhan, saying that the region is a convenient launch pad for Russian business. The Russian delegation expressed its wish to co-operate with SAIF Zone in different sectors after the delegation members were briefed on the daily activities and mode of operation of the SAIF Zone which has over 6500 companies representing 147 countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Mazrouei said, "Astrakhan has been cooperating with different countries and I believe that such cooperation will give entrepreneurs an opportunity to establish fruitful relations in both directions. We will cooperate with Astrakhan in different sectors in the near future." Denis A. Afanasiev, Minister of International and Foreign Economic Relations of Astrakhan and Jassim Al Mutawa, Coordinator of Relations with CIS countries, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah, were the other members in the team.

"We provide services to export-oriented small and medium-sized businesses in promoting their products to foreign markets, as well as to carry out activities aimed at enhancing the export potential of the Astrakhan region," explained Afanasiev.

SAIF Zone Commercial Director, Mohamed Almahmoud, and Deputy Commercial Director, Raed Bukhatir, also took part in the discussion which was held at the Business Centre in SAIF Zone.