Petro Poroshenko, president of Ukraine, toured DP Worlds flagship Jebel Ali Port and Freezone recently and met with the global trade enablers group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, as part of his official visit to the UAE to discuss bilateral cooperation in politics, security, and foreign investment.
Discussions focused on ways to grow Ukraines maritime and logistics sector with the possibility of DP World participating in the concession of the State Port Yuzhny, and collaboration on technology-driven customs operations in Ukraine and other opportunities.
In 2016, DP World signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Ukraine to partner on matters of mutual interest.
of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko
DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said: Were pleased to welcome president Petro Poroshenko to Jebel Ali, where DP Worlds rise as a global trade enabler began. Jebel Ali prospered because of its geographic location as a gateway to the region and we see this hub potential in the port cluster on Ukraines Black Sea coast too. Ukraine has a promising logistics sector and with the right environment for economic development thats supported by favourable foreign and domestic policies, it can grow substantially.”
He added: “DP World will focus on upgrading existing ports with innovative tech-based and smart solutions, developing local talent, sharing international best practice, and investing in the growth of small and new trade enabling services to create seamless trade flows. Efficient infrastructure and services along multi-modal transport links are essential to profitable trade growth. We look forward to building on our excellent relations with the government of Ukraine and to support their goals for economic growth.
DP World has a strong presence in the Black Sea region with its Constanta Terminal in Romania and a state-of-the-art facility with excellent deep-draft access, and the MoU with Ukraine reinforces its commitment to develop logistics facilities in the region. Ukraine-UAE economic cooperation has strengthened in recent years, with Ukrainian exports to the UAE increasing by almost 60% during the first five months of 2017. Trade between Dubai and Ukraine amounted to more than AED1bn in 2016, with the majority being imports to Dubai, followed by exports and re-exports. Total trade in the first half of 2017 was over AED748mn.