Jafza to list members on international database

Dubai: The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) has decided to introduce the Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS Number) in all its member companies to help them enhance their business profiles and expand operations globally.

"This initiative will allow them to provide an internationally recognised corporate identifier, which will function like a globally-enabled trade licence number to all its members," an e-mailed statement said.

Jafza has partnered with Dun & Bradstreet to generate and assign DUNS Numbers to all its members companies after validation of their data.

"The initiative is part of Jafza's ongoing drive to adopt best business practices and to extend support to its companies in their global expansions," said Fatma Salem, executive vice-president, operations.

Global reach

The DUNS Number automatically ensures a listing on the Dun & Bradstreet global database, one of the most visited business-to-business portals worldwide. Companies rely on the database to build relationships with customers, suppliers and business partners.

DUNS is a proprietary system created by Dun & Bradstreet in 1962 and is recognised as a global standard for authenticating businesses for online and offline transactions.

The DUNS Number is used for vendor pre-qualification by Fortune 500 companies, various governments and trade associations, including the United Nations, European Commission, US Government and the International Standards Organisation.