Dubai’s Jebel Ali port and free zone crucial for UAE-India trade to hit $100 billion

In 2021, Dubai accounted for 86% ($38.4 billion) of the total $44.8 billion non-oil trade between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India. Jafza’s Indian company is the second largest partner in terms of trade volume (4.4 million metric tons) and the fourth largest partner in terms of trade value ($6.5 billion).

“Despite macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds, DP World is a key logistics enabler with increased trade between India and the UAE,” DP World said in a release. According to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s non-trade oil trade with the UAE rose 14% in the July-August period, months after CEPA came into effect. “

CEPA (or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) took effect on May 1, immediately removing tariffs on more than 10,000 products and services provided by entities from both countries.

“DP World also supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the ‘Production Related Incentives’ scheme to boost India’s manufacturing, investment and exports through its Jebel Ali hub, provide unparalleled logistics and trade solutions, and expand access to new markets. opportunity,” the Dubai Ports operator said in a statement.

Through an alliance with India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), DP World will invest up to $3 billion to create a “world-leading” integrated logistics infrastructure in the country.

DP World’s current portfolio includes five port terminals with an annual capacity of 6 million TEUs, and five container freight terminals. It also operates 31 container trains, 7 private rail-connected freight terminals, cold chain facilities and a fleet of 60 trucks.

“DP World is developing three free trade zones, more than 20 custom-built warehouses and more than 100 express cargo hubs,” the Dubai-based company said in a statement. Its feeder service, Unifeeder, is India’s largest coastal shipping company. India has more than 70% of the coastal traffic market share. “

“India and the UAE have enjoyed a close relationship over the years. Our vision and goals are shared – to create a market that is self-reliant and sustainable. In line with the UAE government’s strategy, we at DP World look forward to driving India’s revolutionary ‘Made in India’ “The success of the program, while helping the Emirate of Dubai maintain its status as a leading trade hub and India’s gateway to newer, larger markets. DP World’s main service for this is the “India-UAE Bridge”, which will integrate our assets and capabilities to enhance the value of trade between the two countries. We also have the capacity of the Indian traders market and new agricultural terminals that are being developed, which will facilitate India’s trade with the world,” said Dubai World UAE and Jafza CEO said Abdulla Bin Damithan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.

“DP World is committed to partnering the growth of bilateral trade between India and the UAE with the enabling ecosystem we have built in terms of logistics facilities and capabilities. Our key assets include marine terminals, rail-connected private freight terminals, free trade zones, etc. , designed to support the growing trade needs of the industry. The UAE is an excellent gateway for Indian exporters to better access markets and customers in Africa, Middle East and Europe. With CEPA established, I am confident that bilateral trade will reach within the target timeframe The $100 billion mark,” said Rizwan Soomar, CEO and Managing Director of DP World Subcontinent.

Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) form a world-class integrated ecosystem for more than 9,000 companies from around the world, serving more than 3.5 billion people worldwide through direct connections to 150 ports and more than 180 shipping lanes Provide services.