‘Make in India’ is Working, says DP World Chairman

KOCHI : India’s Make in India initiative is transforming the country into a global manufacturing and trade powerhouse, with expanding infrastructure, rising exports and new trade agreements accelerating its momentum.

DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, reinforced this outlook, calling India the ideal destination for nearshoring and manufacturing for global markets.

“When it comes to manufacturing for a consumer market, there is no better place than India for nearshoring. Honourable Prime Minister Modi’s initiative “Make in India” for the world is truly working. The country’s roadways and railways are expanding and witnessing an increase in capacity and efficiency. Looking ahead, industrial parks and free trade zones near ports will be key to sustaining India’s trade momentum as it explores new markets,” he told delegates at a panel in Switzerland.

The chairman spoke on a panel – India’s Economic Blueprint — alongside India’s Minister for Railways, information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, the Ashwini Vaishnaw.

India’s emergence as a global trading hub is reflected in its merchandise exports, which reached US$ 284.31 billion from April to November 2024, up from US$ 278.26 billion during the same period in 2023. The country has signed 14 free trade agreements (FTAs), including with the European Free Trade Association and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE, which significantly has boosted bilateral trade between the two nations.

Reaffirming DP World’s commitment to India’s logistics and trade growth, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem added, “India holds great strategic importance for DP World. We have invested over US$ 2.5 billion in the country’s logistics ecosystem to enhance domestic and global connectivity. With a strong presence across the world, we are leveraging our global expertise and capabilities to provide Indian businesses with seamless access to new markets like Africa, and beyond.”

DP World has been a key partner in India’s trade and logistics landscape since 1997. Today, it operates five state-of-the-art container terminals, handling 25% of India’s EXIM container trade with a capacity of 6 million TEUs. The company has built three Free Trade Zones with 4.2 million square feet of warehousing space and is one of the largest rail freight operators, running container train services on over 50 EXIM and domestic routes and more than 16,000 owned containers.

As India cements its position as a global trade powerhouse, DP World remains committed to strengthening its logistics and supply chain capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity that empowers businesses, accelerates exports, and strengthens India’s role in global commerce.