Dubai, with its superior supply chain infrastructure, is the preferred commercial gateway to the UAE and other GCC markets, said an industry expert.

“Indian exporters and importers have been among DP World’s most valued business partners and will remain so for a long time to come,” added Mohammed Al Muallem, senior vice president and managing director, DP World, UAE Region, in a message to the seventh India Shipping Summit held in Mumbai this week.

Trade between Dubai and India – direct and through Dubai’s free zones - soared in the first six months of 2011 reaching Dh123.10 billion ($33.51 billion), compared to Dh182.76 billion for the entire 2010, a statement said.

India is also the top-ranking non-oil trading partner of the UAE and the GCC as a whole.

“Our relationship is founded on centuries of close ties and cultural affinity. India has always been an important commercial partner of the UAE and an important destination of DP World’s investments in port infrastructure,” Al Muallem said.

“We are committed to building on this partnership, with our flagship Jebel Ali Port continuing to play its role as a trade catalyst between India and the rest of the world.”

DP World operates five marine terminals in India and is developing a new terminal in Kulpi in West Bengal. Its Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), inaugurated in February, is a $600 million public-private partnership (PPP) with the Indian Government.

DP World supports the India Shipping Summit and is sponsor of the networking reception at the event, which has brought together dozens of industry leaders from around the world, key stakeholders and decision-makers.

“The India Shipping Summit provides a great networking opportunity for the port and shipping industry to explore ways to contribute to India’s growth,” Al Muallem concluded. – TradeArabia News Service