Dubai ports operator DP World will be developing a a trade and logistics master plan for Mali, the company announced.

DP World Group chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, met with the president of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, last week to discuss the master plan to unlock the resource rich country’s economic potential.

The plan includes a transportation and logistics strategy with electronic customs processes, replicating DP World’s successful model with Dubai Trade at its flagship Jebel Ali Port and Freezone in Dubai.

“Mali has a long history of trade in gold and agricultural products and though landlocked, has the opportunity to maximise use of its 1,800 km of inland waterways such as the Niger River to connect local farmers and businesses to international market," Bin Sulayem.
 
“We have the experience of operating in 40 countries in a wide variety of locations including the management of coastal terminals, inland container depots (ICD’s) and moving cargo on rivers. Our experience in the development of infrastructure and multi-modal transport is proving of value to governments in Africa as they seek to develop the trading capacity of their economies," he said.

DP world currently operates in the West African market through its Dakar port in Senegal. - TradeArabia News Service