Dubai: DP World, UAE Region has launched ‘The India-UAE Bridge’, a major initiative that will attract Indian trade and investments to its flagship Jebel Ali Port and Jafza by offering end-to-end solutions to companies and entrepreneurs.
A collaboration between DP World UAE Region, Jafza and the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), the solutions delivered under the initiative will support investors through value propositions such as the integration of DP World’s assets in both countries, enhancing access to markets beyond the company’s network connectivity and global portfolio.
Following the recent DP World Indian Traders’ Incubation Centre launch at Jafza One, one of the primary purposes of the initiative is to serve as a platform for talented Indians looking to share their ideas and businesses to markets in the Middle East and beyond.
The announcement was made at an event attended by Navdeep Suri, Ambassador of India to UAE, Mohammad Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region and CEO of Jafza and Nimish Makvana, President of the Executive Committee, IBPC.
Other DP World officials and Indian business leaders and decision-makers were also in attendance.
Through Jebel Ali Port, Jafza and the bilateral trade between the two countries, India has predominantly been one of the UAE’s largest trade partners, boasting over US$60 billion (Dh220 billion) with annual growth rate touching 11 per cent.
Both governments view this as a strategic relationship due to enter a vibrant growth phase with bilateral trade expectancy to exceed $100 billion by 2020.
In 2018, UAE company investments in India, led by DP World’s $3 billion joint investment fund with India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, NIIF, have been set to acquire assets and develop projects in sea and river ports, freight corridors, special economic zones, inland container terminals, and logistics infrastructure such as cold storage.
Addressing the gathering, the Indian Ambassador Suri said, “The India-UAE Bridge is a win-win for both sides. India is now the fifth largest economy in the world and one of the fastest growing major economies. During the current year, India is expected to add almost US$200 billion to global economic growth. DP World already has substantial investments in India and Indian companies account for a large share of total investments into Jafza. With their advanced infrastructure and logistics capabilities, DP World and Jafza are ideally positioned to become key partners in India’s growth story. I expect that the proposed Bridge could become a significant element in the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Al Muallem noted, “Under The India-UAE Bridge, synergies between DP World, UAE Region and India and the ports and logistics capabilities in both the countries, we will be able to offer integrated supply chain solutions to businesses through our unique end-to-end solutions.
Makvana added, “As a facilitator, IBPC always strives to create platforms for two allies and friends — India and the UAE — to not only promote business relationships but to also exchange knowledge of best practices in terms of governance, technology, professional opportunities and such. This first-ever event of IBPC with DP World, UAE Region is an excellent start to a partnership, and IBPC is planning for multiple Road Shows in India to promote UAE-India trade along with DP World, UAE Region.”
The India-UAE Bridge is strategically designed to facilitate trade integration capabilities of global trade enabler DP World’s portfolio of over 150 operations in over 40 countries across six continents.
This includes the significant presence in both high-growth and mature markets, including 78 marine and inland terminals and 17 Logistics parks and Economic Zones — operational and under development.
