President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, has toured DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port and Freezone, and met with Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

Discussions focused on ways to grow Ukraine’s maritime and logistics sector with the possibility of DP World participating in the concession of Yuzhny Port, and collaboration on technology-driven customs operations in Ukraine and other opportunities.

Bin Sulayem said, "We’re pleased to welcome President Poroshenko to Jebel Ali, where DP World’s rise as a global trade enabler began. Jebel Ali prospered because of its geographic location as a gateway to the region and we see this hub potential in the port cluster on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast too. Ukraine has a promising logistics sector and with the right environment for economic development that’s supported by favourable foreign and domestic policies, it can grow substantially.

"DP World will focus on upgrading existing ports with innovative tech-based and smart solutions, developing local talent, sharing international best practice and investing in the growth of small and new trade enabling services to create seamless trade flows. Efficient infrastructure and services along multi-modal transport links are essential to profitable trade growth. We look forward to building on our excellent relations with the government of Ukraine and to support their goals for economic growth," he added.

Ukraine-UAE economic cooperation has been strengthening in recent years, with Ukrainian exports to the UAE increasing by almost 60 percent during the first five months of 2017.

Trade between Dubai and Ukraine amounted to more than AED1 billion in 2016, with the majority being imports to Dubai, followed by exports and re-exports. Total trade in the first half of 2017 was over AED748 million.