DPA in discussions with Malta Freeport

Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, managing director of Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), recently held talks with a high ranking delegation from Malta Freeport, headed by its chairman, Mark Portelli, and director, Stanley Portelli.

The visiting delegation highlighted the expanding role of logistics in the Mediterranean region and was interested in the successful growth of this sector in Dubai.

The UAE, which has witnessed a substantial development in the logistics industry, has promoted a concerted policy to strategically develop a working synergy between ports, free zones, customs, shipping lines, airlines, and related private and government departments, to uphold quality best practices in the supply chain process for operating in the region's dynamic environment.

"We look at DPA as an industry leader in this region, and in its growing role as a transshipment and distribution centre," said Mark Portelli.

"Although our market is different, through the exchange of information as a result of visits such as this, we can discuss and learn from best practices and working methods that contribute to the levels of productivity such as those achieved by DPA."

The delegation also reviewed and discussed the recently announced Dubai Ports Authority Master Plan for the expansion at Jebel Ali terminal, which will enhance handling capacity to 21.8 million TEUs by 2020.

Malta Freeport ranks among the Mediterranean's leading transshipment ports, enjoying network connections to over 98 ports worldwide.

The island of Malta is strategically positioned in the Mediterranean, along shipping routes that link three continents - Europe, Africa and Asia.

The Malta Freeport handled 1.25 million TEUs in 2002, an eight per cent increase over 2001.