DP World to assist Kazakhstan in expanding port and logistics capacity
Global marine terminal operator DP World and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Kazakhstan’s national rail way company, today signed an agreement that will see DP World provide management advisory services for the development of the Khorgos Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Inland Container Depot (ICD), the company said in its press release.
DP World will also provide similar services under a separate contract at the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan’s main cargo and bulk terminal on the Caspian Sea . The signing was held in Astana on the s idelines of the second international transport and logistics bus iness forum “ Kazakhstan - New Silk Way ” , with HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, and Askar Mamin, President, KTZ officiating.
The two agreements support Kazakhstan’s plans to transform and modernise its transport and logistics infrastructure to develop its strategic position as part of a New Silk Way rail - land bridge between the manufacturing hubs of China, and consumer markets in Central Asia and Europe. Strategically locate d on the border with China, the Khorgos SEZ aim s to be come Kazakhstan’s leading manufacturing and logistics hub , providing tangible benefits to companies operating within the zone, as well as serving east and west - bound cargo. At the Port of Aktau, DP World will provide similar services including advice on transforming the port into the leading gateway destination for cargo on the Caspian Sea.
HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World , said: “Khorgos is a major emerging land - based trade hub between Europe and Asia and we are delighted to support Kazakhstan’s vision of establish ing a transportation and logistics bridge , working with KTZ as they develop Khorgos and Aktau. We can add real value to the project s with our international experience and expe rtise in managing both inland container depots and container terminals , ensur ing outstanding customer service as demanded in today’s global markets. ”
Askar Mamin, President, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy , said: “T he success of the New Silk Route is tied to the g rowth of KTZ and the need to build strong customer relations and collaboration. DP World is an excellent choice to help us r ealis e these goals and the management advisory agreement s we have with them demonstrate our commitment to making the New Silk Way a competitive transportation route providing reliable and safe delivery of goods. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with DP World.” Aktau and Khorgos, located on the western and eastern frontiers of Kazakhstan respectively, strategicall y underpin the country’s economic plans.
About DP World
DP World has a portfolio of more than 65 marine terminals across six continents(1), including new developments underway in India, Africa, Europe, South America and the Middle East. Container handling is the company’s core business and generates more than three quarters of i ts revenue. In 2012, DP World handled more than 56 million TEU (twenty - foot equivalent container units). With its committed pipeline of developments and expansions, capacity is expected to rise to more than 100 million TEU by 2020, in line with market dema nd. DP World has a dedicated, experienced and professional team of 28,000 people serving its customers around the world, and the company constantly invests in terminal infrastructure, facilities and people to provide quality services today and tomorrow, wh en and where customers need them. In taking this customer - centric approach, DP World is building on the established relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at its flagship Jebel Ali facility in Dubai, which has been voted “Best Seaport in the Middle East” for 19 consecutive years.