The global supply chain has been thrust into the spotlight as legacy infrastructure and geopolitical challenges have highlighted how vital the swift movement of goods and services are to modern life. And from the short supply of semi-conductors to lengthy waiting lists for game consoles, critical sectors like technology were hampered by external pressures on global supply chains.
Group Chief Operating Officer, Digital Technology for DP World
Yet it is the same technology and innovation that will in fact be the key to pushing the global supply chain forward. As the world rapidly transforms thanks to the almost universal influence of IoT, technology and innovation, the implications for global supply chain solutions leaders like DP World is immense.
At DP World, we see the world of logistics and trade as a collaborative landscape that includes our peers and stakeholders. And it is with this mindset we developed our recently launched whitepaper, Preparing supply chains for the future, which focuses on mapping the way forward for innovation across our industry to reimagine the way global logistics and trade operates.
Our view is that on one hand, innovation is the reason why global supply chains have been so dependable for billions of people around the world. From the invention of the shipping container in 1956 to the many ways food, clothes, cars and technology reach their destination through our multi-modal solutions today, innovative thinking and technology have allowed us to globalise the world in a way that was once unthinkable. And in the face of humanity’s greatest challenge, innovations are at the heart of DP World’s progress towards net zero carbon emissions in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 goals. Enhancing the dependability of the global supply chain through innovations in technology, process, people and sustainability will be vital to lifting a billion people out of poverty around the world.
That is the broader purpose for global logistics and trade enablers like DP World to fulfil. While technologies like automation are playing an essential role in creating efficiencies in international supply chains, DP World is more than a global logistics provider. As a trade enabler, we understand that we have a role and purpose in connecting businesses and people in the developed and developing world. It is through the prism of democratising trade for every corner of the world that we see the importance of innovation and technology in adding value. Enabling trade is more than just moving goods and services.
For example, it was an innovative mindset that led to DP World establishing a global wholesale e-commerce platform, DUBUY.com. As a gateway for exports and imports from Africa to the world, the platform brings buyers and sellers together with a single window for cross-border transactions, payment and delivery. DUBUY.com played an instrumental role in enabling local coffee farmers in Rwanda to export their coffee beans around the world. In light of challenges Dukundekawa Coffee was facing around maintaining the freshness of its coffee beans, DP World linked up with this part of Africa’s Fine Coffee Association via DUBUY.com and connected it with expert package solutions developer Swiss Pac. The customised packaging solution now sees Dukundekawa Cooperative export its coffee around the world.
Meanwhile, we designed DP World Trade Finance to unlock new opportunities for businesses around the world by creating a simple digital platform so that businesses can easily access finance options. For example, financial institutions traditionally see SMBs, in particular, as high-risk as they rarely have substantial credit histories and as a result, there is a $1.7 trillion trade gap across the world. Rather than jumping through the hoops of prohibitive financial requirements and copious documentation, DP World Trade Finance allows financial institutions to assess companies with the unique data, visibility, and transparency we can facilitate thanks to information we have on global trade movements. This helps financial institutions with risk assessments to quickly identify the viability of new businesses. DP World Trade Finance is reducing costs across the supply chain by providing both the capital and the logistics solution by bundling our financing and operational capabilities, so that businesses can expand.
And SeaRates by DP World was established to become a trusted community marketplace for people to send goods around the world. In fact, SeaRates.com helps to arrange international cargo delivery from 50 kilograms all the way up to entire shiploads. Thanks to a growing community of cargo agents, SeaRates.com is the easiest way for people to ship their goods overseas, or to offer free space in a container, truck or vessel to millions of consignors. Already, over 18,000 freight search quotes are made each day on the platform as shippers seek out instant shipping solutions for any type of cargo.
While there is a physical and operational incentive for innovative ideas and technology, there is an equally important role for the global logistics sector to innovate and truly enable trade. Beyond ports, marine services and world-leading free zones, we are bridging the gaps and connecting the dots with our innovations so that we can support the many businesses and people across the world who need our support.
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