DP World and the Government of Mali signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to develop a master plan to enhance trade and logistics and unlock the resource rich countrys economic potential.
DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, President of Mali, signed the MoU. The plan includes a transportation and logistics strategy with electronic customs processes, replicating DP Worlds successful model with Dubai Trade at its flagship Jebel Ali Port and Freezone (JAFZA) in Dubai. The partners will continue discussions and carry out due diligence studies on the infrastructure projects that fit with the governments development goals. Bin Sulayem had previously met with President Keïta, to discuss the development plans, in October 2017.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) Global Investment Forum in Dubai. Bin Sulayem participated in a panel discussion titled Investment opportunities in Dubai and shed light on DP Worlds integral role in the growth of the city into a global trade hub. DP World enables trade for about 50% of the world’s economy, while its flagship Jebel Ali port is the leading port in Middle East and a gateway to more than 2 billion people. With its free zone, the port sits at the crossroads of world trade, offering business-friendly processes to attract customers and together they contribute to over 20% of Dubais GDP.
Bin Sulayem spoke at the forum: Dubai dared to dream and its vision became reality resulting in its transformation into a leader in everything it does. Anticipating change, thinking smart and planning for the future provided the foundations on which we build today and tomorrow and now we are in the digital age where the pace of change and new technologies happens faster than ever before we need to keep learning to survive and flourish.
“Innovation and the application of these technologies are at the heart of our business and our Jebel Ali port is among the worlds most technologically advanced. Customers expect faster, more efficient and cost-effective services and we need to be able to deliver what they need even before they know they need it to stay competitive. This is why were always on the lookout for new investment opportunities and technologies, such as Hyperloop One, in which were a partner. We want to be a part of the industrys future disruption and not a victim. Talent management, long term partnerships (PPPs), smart trade, economic diversification and a sustainable long-term approach will all drive our future.
“As a founding partner of Dubais Area 2071 initiative, we will also continue to work alongside the UAEs leaders, committing our expertise to exploring new solutions to the transformation of our society.
Bin Sulayem added that those that embrace game changing technologies and breakthroughs such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and autonomous vehicles will also lead in the future. He noted that the IOT alone was expected to contribute between $10-15tn to the global economy over the next twenty years.