DP World to develop infrastructure and logistics blueprint for Mali

The President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has met with DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, to discuss a trade and logistics 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. Regional trade in West Africa connects through ports such as DP World Dakar in Senegal to international markets.

Sultan Bin Sulayem, said: "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 kilometres of inland waterways such as the Niger River to connect local farmers and businesses to international markets.

"We have the experience of operating in 40 countries in a wide variety of locations including the management of coastal terminals, inland container depots  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 added.

"We are also supporting the UAE's Centennial Vision 2071 published recently which encourages the exporting of our national services to the world with our role as a knowledge exporter and trade ambassador for the country perfectly suited for this strategy. Our flagship Jebel Ali model in Dubai, connecting port, freezone, customs processes and logistics supported by advanced digital systems and technologies is a shining example that countries in Africa such as Mali can benefit from. President Keita welcomed our proposals and we look forward to building on our relationship further," he concluded.