The fast-evolving world we live in and the dynamic market call for stronger trade and logistics networks to keep economies running. Preparation and the infusion of new improved technologies to tackle any crisis are key
The last year and a half have been nerve-wracking, not only for citizens of the world but for businesses, governments, and economies. What the world witnessed was never thought of. Not many foresaw such a crisis or even had strategies in place to tackle it. The industry that was impacted first was the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector due to the increasing pressure with every passing day.
As the leading smart trade enabler, we, at DP World, UAE Region have always worked to ensure that we think ahead to ensure no disruption to supply chains in a variety of sectors. The pharma sector too is one of our key priorities. With the support of our flagship trade and logistics hub that comprises Jafza and the Jebel Ali Port, we have made sure that the industry in the UAE and around the globe continues to function smoothly, tackling the various healthcare crises that the world is faced with.
Leading the fight against Covid-19
Throughout the pandemic, the UAE has been one of the few countries to take quick action and control the spread of the virus. Our leaders have made sure that the citizens of the country don’t face the brunt of the global crisis. In support of our government, we ensured that trade kept flowing uninterrupted throughout the pandemic, ensuring the UAE was self-sufficient and countries around the world received the vital supplies needed.
Our free zone, ports and terminals are still being used to ship, store and distribute vaccines and medical devices such as syringes and wipes, contributing to the global fight against the pandemic. The GDP-compliant, network of warehousing and distribution hubs that we have in place are also being used to store vaccines for time and temperature-sensitive distribution to hospitals and clinics. We can proudly say that our efforts and our infrastructure and capabilities that we utilised to achieve this goal have indeed strengthened Dubai’s position as a global hub.
Technology, a key pillar
Pharma trade has always been integral to Jafza. The free zone has in fact seen an uptick in activities over the years. One of our pathbreaking initiatives is the Dubai Trade, a single-window platform for cross border trade that eases the trade engagement for logistics and supply chain service companies. We have integrated major stakeholders in trade and logistics operations such as our flagship Jebel Ali port, Jafza, Dubai Customs, Importers and Exporters, Shipping Lines and Agents, Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Hauliers, and Free Zone License to ensure smooth trade flow.
Our Electronic Delivery Order (EDO), a sophisticated technologically advanced tool that allows supply chain stakeholders to handle complex import processes with a click of a button has also played a significant role. In less than a year since its launch, EDO has crossed 52,000 transactions valued at AED120 million.
Progressive Facilities
And how can we forget about the different state-of-the-art facilities that have helped our partners? We have provided unending support to our clients in every way in the supply chain, including light industrial manufacturing, value-added services such as packaging and labelling and trading. Our customised innovative development solutions, infrastructure-ready plots of land and thermally insulated purpose-built warehouses have also been major contributors to our partners’ success.
We are certain that we continue supporting our partners in the free zone with our efficient operations and the ecosystem we have in place. Eventually, our goal is to always bolster the growth of businesses within our hub and add value to the economy of the country.
Throughout the pandemic, the UAE has been one of the few countries to take quick action and control the spread of the virus, Our leaders have made sure that the citizens of the country don’t face the brunt of the global crisis. In support of our government
Ahmad Al Haddad, Chief Operating Officer-Parks and Zones, DP World, UAE region