Dubai to host 'first-of-its-kind' German logistics industry meet

The Bundesvereinigung Logistik, BVL, which represents around 7,000 members from the top echelons of business, services and science, is to hold its first MENA-Summit in Dubai from January 24-25.

The summit follows last year's highly successful address to BVL's annual congress in Berlin by Michael Proffitt, CEO, Dubai Logistics City (DLC), when he spelt out the business proposition of the specialized zone, which is at the core of the world's first integrated logistics and multi-modal transport platform for air, sea and road services.

"The summit is a major coup for Dubai and underlines the emirate's rapidly emerging global logistics hub status," said HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Aviation Corporation, Dubai World Central, Government of Dubai.

"This will be an unparalleled opportunity for us to outline the benefits of using DLC as a distribution hub for the greater region allowing companies to regain control of their distribution channels and ensure significant inventory reduction and customer service level improvements."

Announcing the summit, BVL's President, Professor Dr. Peer Witten, described Dubai as "one of the most dynamic economic places in the world."

In a message to BVL members he said:

"The UAE has continued its successful course of development and has achieved, within the shortest time possible, the aim of becoming a hub of world trade, a centre linking China with Europe and a logistics hub serving North America, Europe and Asia."

He added: "In the framework of this summit we will examine new business modules and success factors for this ever growing MENA market. During the summit business leaders from industry, trade and the service sectors, as well as representatives of international co-operation organisations with existing experience in the Arab world and North Africa will come together to discuss current trends, developments, opportunities and solutions."

DLC is a component of the vast Dubai World Central aviation community being built in Jebel Ali, a 30 minute drive from Dubai city centre. It includes the world's biggest airport - Dubai World Central International (JXB). DLC, together with Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone and JXB, combines all transportation modes, logistics and value-added services, such as product manufacturing and assembly, in a single-bonded free zone environment.

Some of the world's major logistics players have already concluded land lease agreements to operate warehousing and contract logistics facilities at DLC. These include Aramex, Danzas AEI Emirates LLC, Kuehne + Nagel and Panalpina.

To date, over 100 regional and international companies have reserved in excess of over 2.9 million square metres of land within DLC with Michael Proffitt anticipating the figure will rise to over 6 million square metres of leased land by 2008.

"Contract partners are now moving on site to begin construction of their own facilities," explained Proffitt.

"Our partners and clients have understood DLC's unique proposition of allowing product localisation for individual markets at less than 60% of the costs compared to European locations. Direct deliveries into target markets will also be possible from DLC, making expensive European or regional warehouses redundant."

Phase Two grading at Dubai World Central is now underway facilitating the imminent construction of DLC's state-of-the-art headquarters and its dedicated office park with 18, four-storey tower block with lease facilities.