DP World says seamless cargo movement crucial to Vietnam's growth
DUBAI: DP World Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem says a seamless cargo movement at Vietnam’s logistics parks that connects land, air and sea, using smart electronic portals is key to growing the country’s economy.
Bin Sulayem, also the chairman of Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, made the remarks at his December meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phucin Hanoi.
To grow Vietnam’s economy, he said it’s ideal to have the one-stop Dubai Trade Portal offered at Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone in Dubai.
“Connecting logistics and business parks with multi-modal transport and digital infrastructure is key in encouraging economic growth. Throughout our network we have found that free zones and logistics parks next door to transport arteries provides quick and low cost access to national, regional and international markets,” Bin Sulayem said.
“When coupled with efficient electronic systems to enable trade, customs and cross border processes it becomes much easier for business to operate so benefitting nations. Vietnam has many opportunities to develop its supply chain offering and to develop its economy and we look forward to exploring them with its leaders and the business community bringing our international expertise on these issues to any further discussions,” he added.
The visiting Emirati official also expressed DP World’s interest in developing logistics zones in Vietnam, while participating in other long-term projects to improve infrastructure in the country.
The company first made a joint venture agreement with Vietnam in 2005 with the establishment of the Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT), located along the western shore of the Soai Rap River on the 40-hectare Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park, about 16km from Ho Chi Minh city centre.
This state-of-the-art facility began operations in October 2009 or two years after construction began. The project is an 80:20 joint venture between DP World and Vietnamese state- owned Tan Thuan Industrial Promotion Company (IPC).
Bin Sulayem also met with Vietnam President Tran Dai Quangon who welcomed the government’s efforts in upgrading roads and bridges connecting to the 40-hectare Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park where DP World operates its SPCT.