Global logistics industry gives DLC thumbs up at Euro roadshow

DLC participated in major industry events in Germany, Italy and the UK, bringing this unique project to an international audience comprising the world's biggest transportation, logistics and supply-chain management specialists.

At Munich's Transport Logistic/Air Cargo Europe 2005 and at Birmingham's "The Logistics Event" DLC officials held discussions with many companies from a wide range of sectors, including logistics heavyweights such as DHL and TNT as well as with Swiss-based Kuehne + Nagel, the world's biggest ocean freight forwarder. Meetings were also held with material handling companies and other suppliers to the logistics industry.

And at Milan's inaugural UAE-Italy Economic Partnership Forum 2005, an exhibition showcasing organisations in sectors from Free Zones, Real Estate Departments, Infrastructure & Construction, Tourism, Financial Companies and Investment Parks, Dubai Logistics City received massive interest.

"The international industry is very keen to take part in the growth of Dubai and the wider region because of the strategic position of Dubai and the ability to operate multi-modal operations within a combined bonded free trade zone" said a DLC official.

"Global businesses want to either expand their existing Dubai setups or change the whole logic behind their distribution process and establish a significant hub presence in the Emirate. They want to invest further in Dubai, from where they can tap into the vast Sub Continent market and be well positioned strategically when Korea and China replace Singapore as the Far East hub in the medium term.

"This gives Dubai and DLC a massive advantage as the world's logistics and related industries turn to the Emirate for its premium infrastructure, geographic location and free business environment," he said.

DLC has been positioned internationally as the preferred location for businesses which require, or offer, logistics and multi-modal transport services to the GCC, the wider Middle East, India, Africa and the CIS - a market of more than two billion consumers.

DLC, which is already taking shape across 25 square kilometers in the United Arab Emirates, will be operational in 2007 and will be part of the Jebel Ali Airport City (JAAC), which also includes the new Jebel Ali International airport. The JAAC, which will eventually span almost 140 square kilometers, lies next to the existing Jebel Ali Port, the world's 10th largest container handling facility.

"The Emirate has taken up the challenge to deliver this essential foundation as a front-runner in logistics development, knowing that it can build upon a business mentality and experience which is unique in the Middle East and in reach of two billion consumers in the world's fastest growing region," said the DLC spokesman.

"Nowhere else can an ocean container be moved from a container terminal right into an air cargo terminal without leaving the customs bonded free zone premises."