DP World is expanding its operations in China by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support logistics and trade development at the Lin-Gang Special Area, a free trade zone in Shanghai.

DP World said it will work with the Lin-Gang Group and deploy the World Logistics Passport (WLP) programme, a global, private sector-led, initiative designed to smooth the flow of global trade, unlock market access through the creation of new trade routes and provides economic efficiencies to members.

The WLP will provide Chinese businesses with faster and more cost-efficient access to markets in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and across Africa.

At the same time, DP World will share its experience from Jafza, its flagship free zone in the UAE.

Combined with the Jebel Ali Port, Jafza forms a world-class, integrated ecosystem for over 9,000 companies from around the world, serving more than 3.5 billion people globally by connecting directly to 150 ports and more than 180 shipping lanes.

There are currently more than 40,000 corporations registered in Lin-Gang, including Tesla which operates a Model 3 factory, China International Maritime Containers (CIMC), China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), Caterpillar, and Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

DP World noted that Lin-Gang's position in southeast Shanghai makes it an important node for Shanghai's coastal thoroughfare with access to waterways, air routes, railways, highways, inland rivers and the subway.

The MOU is seen to benefit customers in both free zones.

As part of the agreement, Lin-gang will invite leading enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta to jointly promote the WLP to benefit from the innovative policies and offerings of this programme. 

"The inclusion of China in the WLP strengthens the programme's position across Asia with Hubs in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam," the port operator said, noting that Chinese traders and freight forwarders who become Members of the WLP will have access to the different benefits offered by WLP Partners, who include DP World, Thai Airways and Emirates SkyCargo.

"Extending the WLP into China by partnering with Lin-Gang special area is a huge development and a testament to the strength of the programme. Efficient supply chains make products and services more competitive and selling to more markets increases economic resilience," said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, adding that the WLP will also strengthen bilateral relations between China and the United Arab Emirates."