DP World signs deal to set up logistics free zone in Senegal

Dubai - Project to create new jobs and boost African country's growth.

DP World will develop a logistics free zone near Dakar's new Blaise Diagne International Airport to boost economic growth and trade in Senegal.
The project, which is expected to be one of the most advanced and well-organised free zones in Africa and globally, will add new jobs for Senegalese workforce and further bolster social welfare in the West African country.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World and Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) - Dubai, signed an agreement with Senegalese government to develop the logistics free zone. UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Senegal's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mankeur Ndiaye, among others, also attended the signing ceremony.
Shaikh Abdullah commended the efforts being undertaken by DP World and the role it played in advancing economic and commercial bonds between the UAE and Senegal.
Ndiaye also praised DP World's growth-oriented projects and investments in Senegal, saying they largely contribute to the upswing of local economy.
The new logistics free zone is not far away from DP World - Dakar Terminal in the outskirts of Senegal's capital city, according to a statement issued on Saturday. It complements DP World's leading investments in DP World-Dakar Terminal, which stands as West Africa's largest and most modern container terminal after a new terminal was built in the facility in November 2011, doubling capacity to over 600,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units).
"Investing in the construction and development of the logistics free zone in Blaise Diagne International Airport of Senegal is a new opportunity for us at DP World and PCFC to move forward with the enactment of the wise leadership's vision aiming to support growth and development in friendly countries," Bin Sulayem said.
The Dubai-based global marine terminal operator DP World has a portfolio of more than 65 marine terminals across six continents, including new developments under way in India, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 
As a vital gateway to Senegal's and West Africa's growing trade and business sectors, DP World Dakar has created more than 200 jobs for local Senegalese people - specialised training has been given to those terminal employees to level up their skillset and bring operational efficiencies in line with DP World's global standards.
- abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com