Dubai-based global marine terminal operator DP World is keen to develop logistics zones in Vietnam along with its other long-term infrastructure projects in the country, said its top official.

Logistics parks are a strategic solution for global companies seeking to consolidate their operations, remarked DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi, Vietnam on December 14.

Bin Sulayem pointed out that seamless cargo movement to and from these parks was vital; connecting land, air and sea using easy-to-use and ‘smart’ electronic portals, much like the one-stop Dubai Trade Portal offered at its flagship Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone in Dubai, UAE.

“Connecting logistics and business parks with multi-modal transport and digital infrastructure is key in encouraging economic growth,” he added.

Earlier Bin Sulayem had a meeting with the President of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang where he welcomed the government’s efforts in upgrading roads and bridges connecting to the 40-hectare Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park where DP World operates its Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT).

SPCT, located along the western shore of the Soai Rap River on the 40-hectare Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park and 16km from Ho Chi Minh city centre, is a state-of-the-art facility which began operations in October 2009, just 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).

“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,” he 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," stated Bin Sulayem.

"Vietnam has many opportunities to develop its supply chain offering and 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.-TradeArabia News Service