New trade corridor established between Durban and UK Freeport
Fayez Raidan, Managing Director of Global Free Trade, announced an exclusive partnership with ISS Freeports, an integrated air and sea Freeport in the United Kingdom.
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DURBAN businesses now have access to a newly established trade corridor aimed at enhancing their reach into international markets. Fayez Raidan, Managing Director of Global Free Trade, announced a landmark partnership with UK logistics and trade facilitating company, ISS Freeports.
The alliance is set to unlock unprecedented trade and investment opportunities between South Africa and the United Kingdom via one of the island nation’s first and largest duty-free trade zones.
Teesside, just north-east of England, is one of Britain’s best-connected trade regions. Operating from Teesside International Airport, ISS Freeports is a commercial activation partner for Teesside Freeport. The airport forms part of an 818-acre business park with over 350,000 sq ft of existing space and 375 acres of developable land, underpinned by a master plan to deliver 5.2 million sq ft of development. This is projected to create 18,000 jobs and generate £469 million annually by 2030.
“We are delighted to be working with Fayez Raidan and the Global Free Trade team,” said Atif Malik, CEO of ISS Freeports. “His vision, relationships, and deep market understanding will ensure South African companies can enter the UK market with speed, confidence, and competitive advantage; while enabling UK businesses to expand into Southern Africa with trusted, on-the-ground support. This partnership delivers real, measurable benefits to both economies.”
Raidan will spearhead efforts to connect South African exporters, manufacturers and investors with Teesside Freeport.
He said, “It’s an opportunity for South African business owners to capitalise on the Freeport’s world-class customs and tax incentives, including duty suspension, business rates relief, and enhanced capital allowances, alongside unmatched multimodal connectivity into the UK and Europe.”
As the appointed agent managing exports from Durban, Global Free Trade is set to streamline trade between South Africa and the UK.
Raidan emphasised that the partnership aims to facilitate seamless export and import opportunities between Southern Africa, the UK, and other global markets. The dedicated trade corridor, operating through Teesside International Airport, is part of a UK initiative designed to optimise logistics, reduce costs, and create new business channels. Teesside Freeport is one of Europe’s fastest-growing industrial zones.
Sanjiv Desai, a well-known venture capitalist and CEO of SRD Group of Companies, is Raidan’s business partner at Global Free Trade. He said, “This initiative aligns with regional economic development goals by promoting exports, attracting foreign investment, and creating job opportunities within Southern Africa. Notably, Teesside is one of the few ports in the UK with sea, road, rail, and air access, offering competitive storage rates and expedited goods clearance.”
Desai highlighted the importance of this corridor in supporting international scaling and trade infrastructure. “In 2024, South African exports to the UK reached $5.28 billion, with key exports including precious stones, vehicles, and edible fruit. As South African products face a 30% tariff in the US, this new corridor may provide vital opportunities for local businesses looking to expand their international presence.”
Teesside facilities include:
- A 24/7 bonded cargo facility
- A Power-to-Liquid SAF refinery producing up to 500,000 litres per day by 2026, with one-third allocated at preferential rates for airline partners
- Advanced 5G-enabled digital testbeds
- Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and SAF supply links
- A 40 MW solar farm supporting net zero ambitions by 2030
Raidan, a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the fuel and commodity sectors, said this partnership would ultimately simplify the export process, reduce trade barriers, and foster enduring business relationships that stimulate economic growth.
He said, “This is about more than moving goods; it’s about creating a fast, frictionless, and future-focused trade bridge between South Africa and the UK. Through Teesside Freeport and our partnership with ISS Freeports, South African companies can access cutting-edge logistics, world-class facilities, and an established network ready to accelerate their growth.”