``After receiving the certification, by no means are we going to rest on our laurels. Our goals and targets will continue to rise to meet the highest possible standards. It is a matter of great pride to be the first certified Airport Free Zone in the world,'' he said.

Midfa then gave a brief comparison of the growth rate from 1997 to 1998. He stated that the fixed assets has increased by 65 per cent. Internal transactions increased by a substantial 69 per cent. The growth in the number of licences issued also rose considerably from 285to 365 recording an increase of 26 per cent. This growth reflected positively in employment opportunities which rose by 39 per cent.