DLC courts the power of the dragon

DLC, the logistics 'hub' boasting unrivalled infrastructure, will woo the 'market of the future' at Air Cargo China 2006 - promising to link the large consumer markets of the West to Eastern emerging markets.

"With the value of trade between China and the GCC above the US$30billion mark for 2005, and China's domestic and international air cargo market forecast to develop at a rate of 12-15% per annum over the next 15 years, we continue to focus on developing strong partnerships and trading links,"

said Michael Proffitt, CEO, DLC.

Although oil remains a focal part of the strengthened ties between the Chinese consumer and the Middle East suppliers, with an estimated 69.4% of China's crude requirements until 2020 sourced from Arabian wells, the relationship is mutually beneficial.

"The Chinese and Middle East economies enjoy a symbiotic relationship at present - the yin of manufacturing complemented by the yang of consumerism if you will. Dubai has even gone so far as too actively court Chinese manufacturers to set up shop in the Emirate's dedicated Dragon Mart complex.

"DLC's unique value proposition is as a logistics hub for the Greater Region, covering CIS, Indian sub-Continent, Middle East and Africa, for those Chinese manufacturing and production companies looking to increase efficiency within their supply chains through improving customer service and reducing costs" commented Proffitt.

China's US$1.5 trillion economy is projected, by its own Government, to grow to US$4 trillion by 2020, maintaining the rapid developments which have occurred in the automotive, electronics, telecommunications, electrical appliance, pharmaceutical, fashion and food industries - creating vast opportunities for the air cargo players and freight forwarders.

Proffitt added, "DLC's eventual capacity to handle 12 million tonnes of air cargo in 16 dedicated terminals not only provides Dubai and China the basis to contemplate a continued working relationship in all matters trade, it may yet become the lifeblood from which the ties evolve to an even greater level."

Air Cargo China 2006 is being held in conjunction with the FIATA World Congress, bringing together up to 1,500 senior executives from leading global freight forwarders, transportation companies and heavyweight manufacturers such as: DHL Danzas, Nippon Express, Kuehne + Nagel, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Dell China, Johnson & Johnson, Volkswagen and Shanghai Automotive.