The Dubai-based global terminal operator has signed an MoU with the Ukrainian Government’s Ministry of Infrastructure to develop logistics capability in the country and to “collaborate on matters of mutual interest” on the back of the meeting.
Sulayem also delivered a letter of intent from DP World subsidiary P&O Maritime to develop the tug and pilot boat services at Odessa port on the Black Sea.
DP World already boasts Black Sea operations at Constanta Terminal in Romania so the Ukraine agreement is set to bolster its network on the business rich but infrastructure poor waterway bordered by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Sulayem said DP World saw “substantial scope” for industrial zones in Ukraine courtesy of “favourable foreign and domestic policies” that provided “a promising environment for the growth of the logistics sector”. He said DP World were also willing to cooperate on customs operations through the use of electronic technologies already in operation across many of its network of 77 marine and inland terminals in more than 40 countries. 
It came as President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman reiterated foreign investment as a top Ukrainian priority, especially in sectors such as power, agriculture, infrastructure and IT.
“We see major growth potential for trade on the Black Sea, backed by our Constanta terminal, helping to connect Far Eastern and regional markets with Europe and the rest of the world,” Sulayem said.
“Seamless cargo movement supported by efficient infrastructure and services along multi-modal transport links is essential to profitable trade growth. To attract investors we must find innovative ways of working together through public-private partnerships, with a focus on infrastructure provision, developing financial markets, mitigating risks and eliminating red tape.
“The UAE and DP World have developed into knowledge exporters owing to our global experience, expertise and business success. The UAE and Dubai’s success as a trade hub are proof of this and we’re excited at the opportunity of strengthening our partnership with the government of Ukraine to further their goals of economic growth.”
Trade between Dubai and Ukraine amounted to more than AED 1bn ($272m) in 2015, DP World said, with the majority being imports to Dubai, followed by exports and re-exports. Total trade in the first half of 2016 has already crossed AED 500m ($136m).
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