Kazakhstan at the crossroads of trade- efficient multimodal transport will be key, says DP World Group Chairman

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 15 June 2017

Two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU’s) were signed between global trade enabler DP World and the Kazakhstan government for the development of a Port Community System (PCS) and to integrate customs processes ahead of the Astana Economic Forum today.

PCS is a one stop electronic platform developed by DP World company Dubai Trade, that enables the exchange of information between organisations involved in maritime, inland and airport processes.  The aim is to improve ease of doing business in Kazakhstan’s ports and freezones through paperless transactions that remove long queues in administrative offices, delays and duplication.

The first agreement was signed between DP World and the National Company "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” (KTZ) for the establishment of a joint venture company to implement and manage the PCS system with the aim of creating a multimodal transport corridor (the Eurasian Transcontinental Corridor), featuring automated logistics processes for cargo delivery and the unification of logistics centres, sea and dry ports into a single transport and logistics network.

The second MoU was signed between DP World, KTZ and the Committee of State Revenues of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Customs) to ensure the integration of customs processes into the online portal.

Kazakhstan’s potential as a key transit corridor for China’s One Belt, One Road initiative can be realised by focusing on soft and hard infrastructure development that supports multimodal transport links, according to DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

Mr. Bin Sulayem was speaking at the Astana Economic Forum, an annual event that provides a platform for discussion on the world’s economic opportunities and challenges, and hosts government and business figures from more than 80 countries. During his panel discussion that focused on the New Silk Road, he said that multimodal connectivity is key to realising the Kazakhstan President’s ‘path to the future’ vision, which includes the ‘Nurly Zhol’ – a $9 billion infrastructure spending programme – to help prepare a future-ready economy.

DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said: “Our experience in Dubai and in the 40 countries where we operate globally has taught us that integrating services makes trade faster, safer and more efficient for our stakeholders attracting investment and helping business. That’s why these announcements today are important for Kazakhstan, providing smart trade solutions for the country and to increase efficiencies for business.

“We have experience of delivering this at our flagship operation in Jebel Ali, where the Dubai Logistics Corridor connects road, rail, air and sea transport providing seamless cargo movement through the Dubai Trade Portal with more than 50,000 transactions conducted each day.

“Kazakhstan has tremendous potential and its leadership is working hard for its people – putting in place the right policies and procedures. It is at the crossroads of Asia and although landlocked President Nazarbayev’s commitment to improve internal and external connectivity to avoid the ‘transportation trap’ will propel growth. We are proud to be working with the government to build one of the largest transport and logistics hubs in the region.”

Earlier this year, DP World also announced its involvement in the development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Aktau to boost trade and logistics in the country. It builds on DP World’s management advisory services contract with the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan’s main cargo and bulk terminal on the Caspian Sea. The company also provides advisory services under a separate contract with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Kazakhstan’s national railway company, for the development of the Khorgos SEZ and Inland Container Depot.

-Ends-

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Mike Vertigans
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DP World
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michael.vertigans@dpworld.com

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About DP World:
DP World[1] is a leading enabler of global trade and an integral part of the supply chain.

We operate multiple yet related businesses – from marine and inland terminals, maritime services, logistics and ancillary services to technology-driven trade solutions.

We have a portfolio of 78 operating marine and inland terminals supported by over 50 related businesses in 40 countries across six continents with a significant presence in both high-growth and mature markets. We aim to be essential to the bright future of global trade, ensuring everything we do has a long-lasting positive impact on economies and society.

Our dedicated team of over 36,500 employees from 103 countries cultivates long-standing relationships with governments, shipping lines, importers and exporters, communities, and many other important constituents of the global supply chain, to add value and provide quality services today and tomorrow.

Container handling is the company’s core business and generates more than three quarters of its revenue. In 2016, DP World handled around 64 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across our portfolio. With its committed pipeline of developments and expansions, the current gross capacity of 84.6 million TEU is expected to rise to more than 100 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand.

By thinking ahead, foreseeing change and innovating we aim to create the most productive, efficient and safe trade solutions globally.


[1] As of April 2017

© Press Release 2017