Economic Zones World enhances Dubai's position as integrated logistics hub

Addressing the 8th Annual Suppliers Forum hosted by the Department of Civil Aviation and Dubai Duty Free on Monday and attended by HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group on Monday (April 9), Salma Hareb, CEO, Jafza and Economic Zones World, said supply chain management has become ever more critical for the survival of businesses.

Referring to the theme of this year's Forum, "Building a Strong Strategic Alliance between all Sectors of our National Economy", Ms Hareb said:

"Today more than ever before, globalization has eroded the challenge of physical distance, forcing enterprises to increase their production footprint beyond political borders. As economies expand and productivity improves, efficient supply chain management becomes even more critical to the survival of businesses worldwide.

"Dubai is a proven success as a model facilitator of multi-modal logistics that the rest of the world is beginning to emulate. Our network of free zone, sea port and airport has played a pivotal role in integrating various sectors of our national economy, as well as catalyzing Gulf-wide growth.

"But this is no time to rest. Markets are opening and trade is increasing. The increase in manufacturing footprint has added to the complexity of logistics, with speed and efficiency holding the key to the success of future economies."

According to the International Monetary Fund, by 2007 end global GDP is expected to grow over US$ 50 Trillion, while the world population would exceed 6.4 billion. The expected increase in consumption and purchasing power would place unprecedented demands on the distribution network.

The Chief Executive of Jafza and Economic Zones World also cited the rising economic power houses of China and India and said EZW has adopted a development strategy that is driven by three factors: Organic growth, creating opportunities, and attracting new investments.

Ms Hareb said: "As enterprises grow they look for opportunities to expand, preferably in familiar environments. Economic Zones World, through its global expansion, provides opportunities to its customers to grow globally in the same Jafza business environment, they are familiar with"

Jafza is home to about 6000 companies from 120 countries. Jebel Ali Port, owned and managed by DP World-UAE, handled 8.9 million TEUs last year. Some 120,000 people work in the Free Zone that boasts the finest sea-land-air connectivity in the region.

The future is even brighter for these Dubai World companies, with Jebel Ali Port looking toward a throughput of 70 million TEUs and the combined Jebel Ali area trade expected to exceed US$ 50 Billion by the end of the decade.