Dubai's Hub Proposition to Debut Down Under

Dubai Logistics City, (DLC), a core component of Dubai World Central (DWC) - the massive, multi-phase development centred around the world’s largest international airport in Jebel Ali - is to get its Australian launch at the one of the country’s largest logistics and supply chain conferences - Queensland 2006.

A high-powered DLC delegation, headed by its CEO Michael Proffitt and Dubai World Central’s Marketing and Communications Director, Abdulla Al Falasi, will meet logisticians, practitioners and academics, procurement and inventory managers, government contractors and supply chain managers in Brisbane from July 13-14.

Following its European launch in Munich and Geneva in May – where DWC’s unique business proposition was presented to the continent’s leading logistics providers and heavyweight industrial and trading houses, DLC is looking to Queensland 2006 to attract investors, tenants and industry practitioners prior to the signing of the UAE-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected sometime in August.

“According to government reports, Australia could become the UAE’s third free trade partner following the United States and Singapore,” said Proffitt. “Trade reports place the UAE as Australia’s second largest Middle East trading partner, after Saudi Arabia, with imports totalling some $4.1 billion in 2005.

“Our objective is now to present a compelling business case for DLC as Australia’s preferred logistics and supply chain hub for the Middle East and beyond. With Emirates’ aggressive push in Australia, we hope to create a mutual arena of prosperity between its logistics providers and Dubai.”

As one of three international keynote speakers at Queensland 2006, Proffitt will address the conference on how effective supply chain management can drive clear business improvement in three primary areas – cost reduction, innovation and risk management.

The DLC chief will also outline how the specialised ‘city’ can assist Australian logistics companies in developing a global business profile.

“These companies need to be aware of Dubai’s unique value proposition as a logistics hub for the greater Middle East, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Africa and southern CIS – many of which are just three to four hours flying time from the emirate,” explained Proffitt.

“There are scores of manufacturers, distributors and traders which could benefit from Dubai’s prime geographical position.

“Currently, vehicles are one of Australia’s largest exports to the GCC. DLC’s ultra-modern infrastructure will provide world-class facilities for automobile spare part manufacturing companies looking to move into the Middle East.”

During its Australian tour the DLC delegation will also present its case to the logistics association in Sydney. “As a result we hope to attract delegations from Australia to visit Dubai and witness the opportunities first hand,” said Proffitt.

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