The UAE-based DP World, a global operator of shipping terminals, will explore investment opportunities in Georgia in the areas of marine terminal, inland terminal, logistics park or economic zone in the country.

This follows discussions during the Annual Investment Meeting held between the Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group’s chairman and CEO, and chairman of Ports, Customs and Freezones Corporation, in Dubai, UAE.

The meeting was also attended by Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah vice chairman of DP World, and other senior company officials.

During the meeting, Bin Sulayem suggested diverse solutions for Georgia’s trade and logistics development plans that would be cost effective and up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Both parties agreed that a DP World research team should visit the country to evaluate the potential for development of various projects, similar to those being carried out along the New Silk Way between China and Europe, it added.

Trade between Dubai and Georgia totalled Dh376 million ($102.3 million) in 2015, with imports of Dh25 million ($6.81 million), exports of Dh35 million ($9.53 million) and re-exports of Dh315 million ($85.7 million), it said.

Bin Sulayem said: “Georgia presents a promising business environment where trade can play an ever greater role in developing the country’s manufacturing base, while encouraging growth of the state’s extensive logistics, distribution and warehousing potential. Georgia is also well placed to facilitate trade from the Port of Aktau in Kazakhstan along the New Silk Way, providing access to the Black Sea.”

“The country’s leadership is committed to its people, working to provide a stable, welcoming and predictable trade environment for investors which is key. Dubai is an example of that where our remarkable growth story stems from the UAE’s visionary leadership who embarked on an incredible journey. We are honoured to be able to share this insight and expertise with countries like Georgia,” he said.
 
Global trade enabler DP World is developing seamless trade solutions to stimulate economic growth around the world, advising governments through its experiences and expertise in multiple locations in over 40 countries, said the statement.

DP World also provides the Kazakhstan government advisory services for the development of the Khorgos Special Economic Zone and Inland Container Depot with a similar arrangement under a separate contract for the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan’s main cargo and bulk terminal on the Caspian Sea, it stated.

The company operates a range of terminals in locations along the New Silk Way linking China to Europe enabling trade on a vital portion of the global supply chain. There are three joint venture operations on mainland China at Tianjin, Yantai and Qingdao and another in Hong Kong. There are six more locations in India, supporting over 32 per cent of India’s container trade and 14 in Europe, it added. – TradeArabia News Service