CASE STUDY
build and sustain operational efficiencies . In the coming years , our investments in these frontline technologies will keep increasing to harness its full potential .
At DP World UAE Region , enabling smart trade is paramount to what we do , and technology has fuelled our growth and reinforced our capabilities . Smarter trade drives global economic growth and social progress . It helps regions and nations grow , supports businesses , creates jobs and raises living standards . Every initiative that we take enhances Dubai and the UAE ’ s economic standing . Jafza currently contributes 23.8 % of Dubai ’ s GDP and facilitates trade value of US $ 99.5 billion .
How has technology made a positive impact on businesses as well as on people ’ s life and the community as a whole ?
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns and disruptions to our lives have forever changed the way businesses operate . The pandemic has given the Digital Transformation process a much-needed boost . A good example is the retail business . Consumers around the world are today more comfortable doing their shopping online than going to the shop . For businesses , e-commerce is the way forward . According to market research firm eMarketer , worldwide retail e-commerce sales posted a 27.6 % growth rate in 2020 , with sales reaching well over US $ 4 trillion . The global e-commerce market is expected to touch US $ 5 trillion in 2021 and US $ 6.4 trillion by 2024 , as customers everywhere become accustomed to getting what they want sitting at home , day or night . The shifting shopping habits are enabled by popular digital gadgets like your smartphone and iPad . Both businesses and consumers find that smart technology benefits them by reducing cost and time .
How has DP World ’ s Digital Transformation helped it in a crisis of the global pandemic ? Can you define specific measures taken ?
DP World ’ s experience since the start of this extraordinary period shows that technology saved the day for businesses around the world . Our own strategy enabled us to provide Business Continuity to our customers and supported the wider community in its hour need . We used frontline technologies to build and sustain our efficiencies during the lockdowns . Customers , from shipping lines to freight forwarders , cargo agents and BCOs have benefited from the ease with which they could continue to operate despite closed offices . Some of the specific measures taken on the technological front include :
• Dubai Trade ’ s Electronic Delivery Order or E-DO that has eliminated all paperwork , minimised clearance turnaround time and improved efficiencies along the supply chain
• An integrated single window system called ZADI that offers automated end-to-end support to the F & B sector and is now integral to the UAE ’ s Food Security programme
• Manasah , a digital e-commerce platform for UAE-based SMEs , allowed small traders to reach consumers and partners remotely
• DP World ’ s booking tools landrates . com , searates . com and airrates . com connect shipping agents and BCOs when they worked from home
• Our Digital Freight Alliance now provides seamless services as a global platform for freight forwarders everywhere
• TradeLens , a blockchain-based digital container logistics platform with which our global operations are now integrated
How has COVID-19 impacted the future technology initiatives for the trade and logistics industry overall ?
There is no doubt that COVID-19 slowed down global trade and slowed down globalisation . The pandemic has demonstrated that we must do all we can to make supply chains stronger to keep trade flowing , even in times of unprecedented challenges .
The pandemic has strengthened the case for digitalisation and the elimination of paperwork in the shipping industry . The industry as a whole requires further investments in digitalisation and automation . 67 % of businesses globally said their top priority was to increase control of their supply chain and this truth must guide us as we move forward .
DP World believes that control can be achieved with bringing about changes in the below areas over the next one to two years :
• Diversification of supply chain
• Digitalisation of supply chain
• Making supply chains more sustainable
• Increasing intra-regional trade
Constant risk assessment is another important habit that the logistics business needs to implement . We believe in diversifying our portfolio into emerging , as well as priority sectors due to the pandemic . Looking ahead , we remain focused on delivering integrated supply chain solutions to cargo owners to drive growth and returns . Our focus will always be on bringing the best to our customers and partners and being committed to the goals of Dubai and the UAE . p
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