Doraleh, Djibouti, 7 Feb. 2009 (WAM) - Global marine terminal operator DP World today underlined its commitment to supporting the continued growth of Djibouti with the opening of the new state-of-the-art Doraleh Container Terminal.

The President of Djibouti, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Dubai World and DP World Chairman H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem officiated at a quayside ceremony with special guest H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening of the new terminal. The ceremony was attended by more than 400 local and foreign dignitaries.

In 2000, DP World and the Djibouti Government established a joint venture together, with DP World awarded a 20 year concession to operate the Port of Djibouti. That successful partnership led to the joint venture investing in building the nearby Doraleh container terminal. DP World's ultimate parent Dubai World has also invested substantially in Djibouti through its other companies, including in a hotel, a free zone and customs operations.

Dubai World and DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: "Doraleh Container Terminal is testament to a vision shared by the President of Djibouti, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, DP World and Dubai World, and is a lasting model for large-scale public-private partnerships in Africa.

"We have invested both financial and human resources in Djibouti over the past nine years as part of our long term commitment to our partnership here. That investment in efficient infrastructure has helped stimulate the economy and supported trade, which in turn has benefited our business. But importantly, it has created jobs, created wealth and created opportunities for young Djiboutians."Doraleh terminal has capacity to handle 1.2 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) annually, the largest and most modern terminal in East Africa. Its 18 metre draft and 1050 metre quay easily accommodate the largest ships in service, including the 10-15,000 TEU "Super-Post-Panamax" vessels. Capacity at the terminal is set to grow in line with market demand to around 3m TEU over time.

In a model that emphasises the development of local talent, DP World has used Djiboutian trainees to help ramp up operations at the company's other African terminals, such as Dakar, Senegal.

Following the official opening of the Doraleh Container Terminal, Sultan Bin Sulayem launched the newest wing of the Kempinksi Djibouti Palace Hotel, a Nakheel Hotels project.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.