Dubai-based global marine terminal operator DP World has committed itself to supporting the economic growth of Senegal and developing Dakar into a major logistics hub and gateway for West.

The commitment came during a recent meeting of DP World chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem met with Senegalese President Macky Sall.

DP World’s current and future projects in Senegal as well as ways of further strengthening trade relations and exploring areas of future cooperation were discussed at the meeting in Dakar, which was also attended by Senegalese Prime Minister Mohammed Dionne and UAE Ambassador to Senegal Mohammed Al Rashidi, said a statement from DP World.

Bin Sulayem also expressed the company’s readiness to be part of the massive change and growth the continent is witnessing. He stressed that DP World has the extensive expertise and know-how that can help African countries realise their trade and infrastructure goals, while assisting Senegal in particular to address national ports and logistics infrastructure challenges, it said.

The visit was part of Bin Sulayem’s annual Africa tour calling at existing DP World operations while meeting other heads of state and business leaders to explore trade links and solutions connecting Africa to the world, it added.

During his meeting with the president, Bin Sulayem shed light on the company’s plans and updated him on current projects in Dakar including the development of Port Du Futur and the free zone located in the vicinity of the new airport for which DP World signed a memorandum of understanding with the Senegalese Government in October last year, said a statement.

DP World is building and developing a logistics free zone near Blaise Diagne International Airport, not far from the DP World Dakar Terminal. It is expected to be one of the most advanced and well organised free zones in Africa and globally using the latest state-of-the-art equipment and technology, it said.

The president was also briefed about DP World’s latest activities and the initiatives that confirm its commitment to sustainable development including its solar rooftop project – the largest in the Middle East which followed the company’s third successful annual Go Green Week, a collaboration with the world’s leading port operators to engage communities and people across its international portfolio in promoting environmental awareness.

Bin Sulayem said: “In speaking with leaders of African countries one thing is clear – this continent’s people are gearing for change on a massive scale and we are eager to be part of the process.

“Our business helps economies flourish, connecting local markets to global trade and the sharing of expertise and experiences across international borders is essential in realising seamless cargo movement across multi-modal transport,” he said.

“The sheer size of the African continent presents a major infrastructure challenge that needs to be addressed and we are pleased to be able to share our learnings with Senegal’s leaders. The country’s geographical location and visionary leadership means that Dakar has the potential to develop into West Africa’s leading logistics hub and trade gateway,” he concluded.

DP World has operations in Senegal, Egypt, Mozambique, Djibouti, and Algeria and recently signed an agreement with the Republic of Somaliland to invest in a multi-purpose port project at Berbera. It also secured a 25-year concession to develop and operate a new logistics centre in Kigali, Rwanda at the beginning of 2016, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service