Dubai Ports World has set up funding capabilities exceeding $1 billion to enhance trade activities for businesses in emerging markets. This initiative addresses the financing gap afflicting global trade and ensures the continuous movement of goods amidst some of the world’s most significant economic challenges.
This achievement stems from the integration of lending operations within Dubai Ports World and partnerships with over 32 financial institutions worldwide, including JPMorgan, Standard Bank, Nedbank, and other major players. The financial solutions provided by these institutions, combined with the logistics capabilities of the group, help minimize risks and improve access to capital for companies across all sectors that are grappling with inadequate funding services, thereby lowering barriers to international trade.
By combining trade finance initiatives with logistics service packages, Dubai Ports World offers companies immediate funding, clarity, and transparency in their supply chains. This integrated model aids lenders in making quicker, more informed decisions, allowing access to capital precisely where it is needed most. The globally managed trade finance portfolio of Dubai Ports World has demonstrated its ability to build a robust loan record with high-quality assets, surpassing established benchmarks in the logistics industry, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of this data-driven, integrated approach.
So far, the global trade finance services from Dubai Ports World have facilitated trade across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, supporting sectors such as agriculture, mining, automotive, and engineering.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of Dubai Ports World, emphasized that the growth of their trade finance operations underscores the role of the United Arab Emirates as a catalyst for global trade. By easing access to capital, particularly in high-potential markets, they contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient trading ecosystem.
Sinan Ozgan, CEO of Dubai Ports World’s Trade Finance division, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitating trade flow, stating, “Cross-border trade is a key driver of global economic growth; however, accessing affordable financing remains a significant barrier for many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets. Reaching this milestone of $1 billion reflects our dedication to improving this situation. Through Dubai Ports World’s trade finance platform, we have established a network connecting businesses with capital, streamlining the financing process, and enabling more reliable global trade flow.”
It is important to note that the estimated $2.5 trillion financing gap in global trade limits opportunities for companies in developing economies, especially those unable to access traditional financing due to limited credit history, lack of collateral, or weak balance sheets that classify them as high-risk.