DP World chairman vouches for the power of partnerships at World Government Summit

Feb 14, 2017: How long-term partnerships between governments and the private sector can help Senegal and other African nations develop their economies was the focus of a discussion between the global trade enabler’s Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Senegalese President Macky Sall on the opening day of the World Government Summit.

DP World published a trade impact report with EY on the role of its Dakar Container Terminal at the event, noting that 31,000 Senegalese nationals have been supported by the company’s activities with a 63 per cent increase in Dakar’s imports and exports between 2010 and 2015 as a result of infrastructure investments. Other data shows:

• A 10 per cent growth in annual GDP contributions since 2010.
• An 89 per cent increase in taxes paid by DP World equivalent to the salaries of 11,500 teachers in the country
• DP World supported 4,900 direct, indirect and induced jobs. Every direct job at DP World supports 7 indirect and induced jobs elsewhere in Dakar.
• How the port has doubled the average number of vessel moves per hour, reduced truck turnaround times to less than 30 minutes from an average of 2.5 hours and doubled volumes from 270,000 TEU in 2008 to 540,000 in 2016
• Improved efficiency at the port has led to increased share of transit trade – for instance to Mali – from 20 per cent to 90 per cent in 2015.

DP World’s report explores the benefits of DP World Dakar for the national economy, while backing the Emerging Senegal programme of the government. During the discussion with President Sall, Mr. Bin Sulayem shed light on his experience of how smart trade solutions can support economic diversification, sustainable growth and prosperity using examples from DP World’s portfolio of 77 global ports and terminals.

DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said, “I’m a strong advocate of the power of partnerships for the benefit of all. We have partnered with governments around the world to make trade faster, safer and more efficient. This has a direct impact on the development of local communities and economies, while connecting them with global markets.

“Long-term partnerships between governments and the private sector can help Senegal and African nations become economic powerhouses over the long term. Our port in Dakar is proof of this. DP World Dakar has effectively doubled berth productivity, reduced truck turnaround times and created many new jobs.  

“These results enable trade allowing the efficient movement of resources and supports the diversification of economies away from agriculture and hydrocarbons, to more manufacturing, industry and services.

“These are some of the lessons we’ve learnt from operating in over 40 countries and in Dubai.  Our flagship Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone is a classic case study on how to get the right connectivity, multi-modal transport and smart digital technology combining to improve the environment for business. Our terminals in London Gateway in the UK and Caucedo in the Dominican Republic are other examples of this model.

“We will continue to work closely with the government to enhance Senegal’s reputation as a Gateway to Africa and to support the President’s plans to develop its economy. We look forward to working together in the years ahead.”

DP World has proposed a master plan for Dakar to build a multi-purpose port with an economic zone and logistics zone adjacent to new Blaise Diagne International Airport. It allows for the creation of cargo, free movement of goods to support the country’s economic diversification, boosting non-resource exports. 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.

With a long term view on sustainable development, DP World is also investing in future generations with a focus on education and training. Through the Global Education Programme it is collaborating with local schools to help students learn about the trade and logistics sector. The programme covers six continents and aims to reach 34,000 students by 2020. The company has delivered 2500 training programmes in Dakar and also supported the building of a nursery school in M’Bam village, outside Dakar for the benefit of the local community.