Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, DP World signed a Framework Agreement that will enable it to expand its presence in Uzbekistan, boosting global trade flow and supporting the development of digital infrastructure.

The Framework Agreement was signed by Shukhrat Vafaev, Deputy Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade, Republic of Uzbekistan DP World’s Chairman, Sultan bin Ahmed Sulayem, in the presence of Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The agreement covers broad areas of cooperation, all of which will boost Uzbekistan’s trade networks, and position DP World as a strategic partner in boosting international trade. Prioritizing the flow of trade in the country, the agreements include the establishment of a new inland logistics network, supporting the expansion of the Navoi Free Economic Zone (FEZ), and the cargo terminal at Navoi International Airport, launching new consumer e-commerce and fintech platforms in the country, and streamlining customs operations.

DP World will also deploy its advanced Port Community System by CARGOES, to provide stakeholders in trade and logistics with seamless, paperless access to services including dry ports, logistics parks, ICDs, railway stations, and depots.

Sultan bin Ahmed Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, said: “DP World is committed to being a strategic partner for Uzbekistan enabling trade. Our agreements signed today will help design and shape a world-class trading ecosystem in the country. The Uzbekistan economy continues to grow at a strong pace, making it an attractive destination for long-term investments.”

“We look forward to working with the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade to promote economic growth and prosperity for the people of Uzbekistan, leveraging our capabilities across trading, logistics, infrastructure, and digital technology.”

The World Bank is predicting that Uzbekistan’s economy will grow by 5.6% in 2022. The country is Central Asia’s largest consumer market, and a leading exporter of cotton and textile, automotive, fruits, and vegetables. With its growing economy driving domestic consumption complemented by demand for exports, the country’s trading ecosystem is set to unlock numerous benefits.

Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan, said: “Uzbekistan is keen to cooperate with DP World on facilitating the development of logistics sector of the country through the implementation of a portfolio of projects in key regions of the country.

DP World is a world-class port and free zones operator. Combination of DP World’s experience and capacity with Uzbekistan’s unique geographical location and favorable business environment will boost regional trade and contribute to further improvement of regional connectivity”

Developing new trade infrastructure

DP World will establish a state-of-the-art, rail-linked, and road-linked, inland logistics network offering customers efficient solutions across all major distribution and consumption centers in and around Tashkent. The company will develop a 100-hectare road-and-rail-linked greenfield site in Uzbekistan’s recently established Special Economic Zones.

The agreement will see DP World becoming a strategic partner for the growing Navoi FEZ and the connectivity of the Navoi air cargo terminal linking it to major international hubs, leveraging the company’s expertise in developing, owning, and operating the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the world’s largest free zone, in Dubai.

Additionally, DP World will advise and facilitate Uzbekistan Customs streamline processes with its proven expertise and next-generation digital solutions to reform and modernize processes, supporting the digital transformation of the overall trade facilitation.

New consumer e-commerce and fintech platforms

The MIFT and DP World also agreed for the company to facilitate the development of a consumer e-commerce platform, leveraging its experience from launching DUBUY.com, an e-commerce platform empowering SMEs and microbusinesses to expand their business and penetrate new markets. The company aims to build the most preferred online shopping destination of the region powered by DP World’s cutting-edge technology.

The new e-commerce platform will be complemented with a consumer fintech platform, giving consumers access to finance and banking solutions through their mobile phones. aims to be the payment option of choice for consumers, helping to facilitate faster, cheaper, and reliable P2P payment and lending opportunities. DP World’s investment in a fintech platform for Uzbekistan in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Uzbek Investment.

World Logistics Passport

Uzbekistan had previously joined the WLP as a Gateway earlier this year to boost global trade networks and partnerships. The WLP will bring increased traffic and revenues for Uzbekistani traders, will increase the visibility of Uzbekistan to the WLP global network, and will boost global connectivity. MIFT will also be on hand to facilitate and support traders in Uzbekistan to register as WLP members.

As a Gateway, Uzbekistan will be able to access the benefits of the WLP when trading via the UAE, where it joins a network of 24 Hub countries and many other Gateways that span Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Other countries that are part of the WLP network include India, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Brazil, Senegal, South Africa, the UAE, amongst others.

About DP World:

We are the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain & logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain – from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology-driven customer solutions.

We deliver these services through an interconnected global network of 181 business units in 64 countries across six continents, with a significant presence both in high-growth and mature markets. Wherever we operate, we integrate sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into our activities, striving for a positive contribution to the economies and communities where we live and work.

Our dedicated, diverse, and professional team of more than 56,000 employees from 140 nationalities is committed to delivering unrivaled value to our customers and partners. We do this by focusing on mutually beneficial relationships – with governments, shippers, traders, and other stakeholders along the global supply chain – relationships built on a foundation of mutual trust and enduring partnership.

We think ahead, anticipate change and deploy industry-leading technology to broaden our vision of more efficient, transparent, and resilient world trade. We achieve this by leveraging disruptive innovation to create the smartest and most effective logistics solutions while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies, and our planet.