AD Ports Group and Shandong Ports Group Extend Cooperation to Attract Chinese Automotive Companies

Integrated solution will utilise Autoterminal Khalifa PortandAD Ports Group capabilities to serveautomotive industry from Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 27July 2023: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), the leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has announced that it has signed multiple collaboration agreements with Shandong Port Group (SPG), a conglomerate based in Shandong Province, China, which provides port operations, port infrastructure construction, cargo transportation, warehousing, and other services, and operates investment businesses.

The deal leverages the‘Sister Ports’ agreement between Shandong Port and Khalifa Port to forge a partnership and strengthen cooperation between the two, announced in December 2021.

Under the agreement, SPG will transport passenger vehicles from its ports in China to Autoterminal Khalifa Port, to be stored and displayed within facilities in KEZAD.

The agreements covering all aspects of the operations, display and services,were signed at an event at Autoterminal KhalifaPort, which has already received the first batch of vehicles.

The new cooperation is established to strengthen the position of Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination for Chinese Automotive Industry.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said: “Our agreement leverages the value various clusters of AD Ports Group brings to businesses. As an integrated hub for trade, logistics and Industry, KEZAD Group continues to support the development of the diversified economy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in line with the vision of our wise leadership. We will continue to work with like-minded conglomerates like SPG to achieve this aim. Both Groups are active players in implementing China’s Belt and Road Initiative, furtherpromotingtrade cooperation and accelerating growth.”

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group said: “We are pleased to be entering into this collaborative partnership with Shandong Ports Group, an agreement that signifies the convergence of shared vision and mutual growth. The impressive infrastructure and the unrivaled operational efficiency of Khalifa Port and KEZAD is a testament to the exceptional vision and strategic foresight of the UAE Leadership.

“Our agreements with Shandong Ports Group underscore our commitment to fostering global connections and serving as a catalyst for economic growth. As we embark on this journey together, we are poised to redefine logistics and port operations, setting new benchmarks for the industry at large, whilst driving prosperityand further strengthening our position globally.”

Jai Funing, the Deputy General Manager of Shandong Port Group said: “SPG has always believed and advocated that ‘transportation is the arteryof the economy, and the link to that binds civilisation.’ SPG plans to establish MENA regional center in the UAE, and in Abu Dhabi more specifically, in 2023. By continuously improving the overseas supply chain of product exports, it will rapidly improve the overseas market competitiveness of China’s tire and commercial vehicle industries, SPG firmly believes in reaching a higher level of cooperation with AD Ports Group in the future.”

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Established in 2006, AD Ports Group today serves as one of the world’s premier facilitators of logistics, industry, and trade, as well as a bridge linking Abu Dhabi to the world. Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: ADPORTS), AD Ports Group’s vertically integrated business approach has proven instrumental in driving the emirate’s economic development over the past decade.

Operating several clusters covering Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Maritime, Logistics, and Digital, AD Ports Group’s portfolio comprises 10 ports and terminals, and more than 550 square kilometres of economic zones within KEZAD Group, the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial business grouping in the Middle East.

AD Ports Group is rated A+ by S&P and A+ Outlook Stable by Fitch.

About Shandong Port Group Co Ltd

Shandong Port Group Co Ltd, established on Aug 6, 2019, is currently the world’s largest port operator. It is a provincial State-owned enterprise approved by the People’s Government of Shandong Province.

The group consisting of Qingdao Port, Rizhao Port, Yantai Port and Bohai Bay Port, operates 19 major ports (port areas) and 324 production berths, and has more than 60,000 employees.