Dubai Logistics City eyes tiger manufacturing and logistics sectors

DLC, which will be fully operational at the end 2007, will take part in one of Asia's biggest logistics exhibitions and conferences in Singapore and field a high level delegation to a key industry confex in Hong Kong.

"Dubai is the world's third largest port for re-exports, after Hong Kong and Singapore, and last year total exports from the emirate were valued at around US$ 12 billion," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai.

"Dubai's successful diversification strategy has firmly established it as an internationally acclaimed trade hub and customs authorities expect a 64 per cent growth in the emirate's non-oil trade.

"DLC's relative proximity to two of the world's biggest markets, China and India and its location at the crossroads of Europe, the Sub Continent and the Far East make it an obvious choice for businesses relying on trade between these regions."

DLC will firstly participate in SCM Logistics World, an international confex in Singapore from September 6-9. Some 200 delegates and 1,000 logistics and supply chain industry visitors are expected to attend.

"With the biggest line-up of corporate executives expected for a supply chain event in Asia, SCM is an ideal platform from which to position DLC as the wider region's core integrated logistics platform combining all modes of transport in a unique, single-bonded and free zone environment," said Michael Proffitt, CEO, DLC.

"We have scheduled meetings with manufacturers, third party logistics specialists, freight forwarders and logistics providers and will demonstrate Dubai's unique business proposition to attract further direct inward investment.

"According to Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry figures, import demand in the Middle East alone grew by 23% last year, compared to 13% in 2003 and there appears to be no slowing down of this trend. And Dubai, with its ability to quickly reach regional markets and those of nearby Africa, India and the CIS gives manufacturers and logistics companies easy and cost-effective access to a consumer base of no less than two billion people."

The DLC delegation will also visit Logistics Hong Kong on September 14-15 which boasts high networking potential, especially for those looking to unlock China's vast mainland market.

"Trade between the Middle East and China is on the increase, with bilateral trade volumes forecast by the Chinese government to reach US $100 billion by 2010 and Dubai is fast establishing itself as a hub for Chinese trade," said Proffitt.

"The importance of China to the Middle East trading equation cannot be under-estimated. Last year, China topped the list of the UAE's trade partners with US$ 18.325 billion indeed the Emirates is now the largest Middle East export market for China and the third worldwide after the US and Japan.

"The Dubai Government's decision to invest in the development of DLC will produce significant returns as the emirate will firm up its position as an international facilitator of the entire value chain, from manufacturers to the end consumes," said Proffitt.