Dubai: Expo 2020, if held in Dubai, is expected to boost the trade, logistics and ports operations across the UAE, especially Jebel Ali port — the Middle East’s largest entreport for commodities, officials say.
Dubai is more than prepared to handle the rush, they say.
By 2020, Jebel Ali, the southern part of Dubai, will become more vibrant with busy take-off and landing schedule of airlines at the Dubai World Central — the 140-sq. kilometre airport city that will host Al Maktoum International Airport, the world’s biggest greenfield airport development.
This will effectively create one of the world’s largest sea-to-air cargo corridor that will offer exhibitors at the Expo 2020 seamless supply of goods and services.
“World Expo presents a tremendous opportunity for the country to showcase its geographic positioning and access to the world’s fastest growing markets. As roads are built, rail connected and efficient sea and airports established, people, the goods they produce, and the services they provide are given access to opportunities to connect locally and globally, trade prospers,” Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, told Gulf News in an interview.
The UAE and Dubai have succeeded in providing seamless people and cargo movement throughout the country and the wider region – a practical and tangible example of how mobility, one of the Dubai Expo 2020 subthemes, both drives and shapes the future, he said.
“World Expos transform the cities hosting them and impact positively their economic development. If the UAE wins the bid to host Expo 2020 in Dubai, the event will contribute to substantial GDP growth which is mirrored by the growth of volumes through our ports,” Bin Sulayem added.
In 2010, the Dubai Logistics Corridor (DLC) was opened, connecting Jebel Ali Port and free zone to Al Maktoum International airport.
“Dubai and the UAE are a perfect example of how mobility supports and drives development, and that our industry is ready, willing and able to address the challenges of hosting Expo 2020,” Bin Sulayem says.
“We have two major pieces of work underway. A one million TEU expansion of Terminal 2 is set to open in the second quarter of this year, and the construction of the new four million TEU Terminal 3, which will open in 2014, when total capacity at Jebel Ali will reach 19 million TEU. Together it means we will be able to handle 10 of the giant new generation 18,000 TEU vessels at the same time — the only port in the region able to do so.
“We also have the genesis of Terminal 4 in reclaimed land off the coast of Terminal 2. We will develop that as the market demands and are putting in the groundwork for that opportunity today.
In future years, the area will see the addition of rail to the multi-modal capabilities. With sea, land, air and rail connectivity, the UAE and Dubai will continue to be a magnet for businesses and investors from around the world.
Trade electronic portal
This is underpinned by the Dubai Trade electronic portal — a remarkable entity creating one seamless offering to make life easier for business.
It integrates more than 800 e-services of DP World, Economic Zones World, Dubai Customs and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, in addition to several leading banks. More than 70,000 companies in the trade and logistics sector are now plugged into the system, conducting nearly 15 million online transactions in 2012 — a growth rate of 21 per cent over 2011.
By providing integrated electronic services that connects a wide range of trade and logistics providers and key government agencies, including Dubai Customs, within a single electronic window, it cuts red tape and oils the wheels of business ‑ which is crucial for fast-tracking goods. Services include an online platform for traders, shipping lines and agents, clearing and forwarding agents, haulers, and free zone licencees amongst others.
All of this underlines Dubai’s position as the ideal base for trading across borders with its unique geographical position, excellent infrastructure and seamless processes across private sector and Government agencies.
However, along with ports and logistics, other support services providers will also have a great role to ensure business runs smoothly.
“Dubai offers an ideal platform for 2020 as it has the infrastructure and the requisite resources to showcase such an event,” Tariq Chauhan, Group Chief Executive Officer of EFS Services, told Gulf News.
“Above all, it will align with the vision of its Rulers to position the emirate as a global showcase for business competitiveness. We fully endorse Dubai’s bid as a robust business case for the world business community as well as a window of opportunities for local corporate to showcase our capabilities,” he added.
Bin Sulayem says, hosting the event in Dubai will impact the country’s development and stimulate its economic growth and trade movement creating more demand for goods.
“Today, we handle approximately a third of all container volumes in the Middle East, based on estimates of Middle East volumes by Drewry Shipping Consultants. Jebel Ali also serves a wider region of some 2 billion people in the GCC, Subcontinent, north and east Africa, and even as far as west Africa, supporting the growth and development of trade and their economies,” he concludes.
