DP World, a global leader in logistics and trade, is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia through a series of strategic investments aimed at enhancing supply chain management across the region. This expansion includes a partnership agreement in Malaysia and the opening of two new facilities in the Philippines, marking significant progress in the company's global growth strategy.

 

Last week, DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem signed a partnership agreement with Sabah Ports, a subsidiary of Malaysia's publicly-listed Suria Capital Holding, to manage Sapangar Bay Container Port in Sabah. The collaboration is set to double the port's handling capacity, positioning the state as a key trade hub within the ASEAN Growth Area.

 

In the Philippines, Sulayem inaugurated a major upgrade at the Batangas Passenger Terminal, doubling its capacity to accommodate 8 million passengers annually. The terminal, located 110 km from Manila, serves as the largest inter-island hub in the country, improving connectivity between mainland Luzon and surrounding islands. The opening was officiated by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

 

Sulayem also launched the new Tanza Barge Terminal in Cavite, providing a direct sea link to Manila and facilitating more efficient transport of goods to and from the capital. The terminal is expected to handle up to 240,000 TEUs annually and reduce approximately 150,000 truck trips each year.

 

"The Asia Pacific region is a cornerstone of our global growth strategy. As the world's largest and fastest-growing market for outsourced logistics, we see immense potential here. We are committed to driving regional growth through partnerships and investments that improve trade connectivity for local businesses and communities", Sulayem said.

 

Since establishing Singapore as its Asia Pacific headquarters in 2021, DP World has been expanding its footprint in the region. Today, it operates 19 ports and terminals in Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

 

"We see significant potential in Southeast Asia as a growing hub for global trade, driven by strong economic growth and intra-regional trade. Investments in the region will continue as companies explore ways to build resilience into their supply chains through diversification", Sulayem added.

 

In March, DP World entered a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Chambers, aiming to leverage DP World’s global network to establish and host international representative offices at the group’s facilities worldwide, supporting the Dubai Global initiative. The initiative seeks to establish 50 international representative offices by 2030 to attract foreign direct investment, multinational companies, and global talent to the emirate.

 

Additionally, in March, DP World inaugurated one of over 100 freight forwarding offices worldwide, marking a significant expansion to support customers navigating the complexities of global trade. The company's response to increasing disruptions from climate change, geopolitics, and macroeconomic challenges has led to a bold initiative to bolster its commitment to its customers.

 

The new offices already employ 1,000 staff members, adding to DP World’s 108,000-strong workforce, and this figure is expected to grow substantially over the next 12 months. This effort contributes to the movement of over 10% of global trade each year, reinforcing DP World's status as a major player in the global logistics industry.