Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone has launched a new partnership with DHL Express, a top global logistics provider, focused on enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to broaden their reach internationally.
This collaboration seeks to enhance the business environment within the DWTC Free Zone by offering essential support, industry knowledge, and international trade opportunities tailored for SMEs. The initiative is designed to help businesses strengthen their operational abilities, increase resilience, and tap into new global markets.
A significant aspect of this collaboration is the DHL GoTrade programme, a worldwide initiative aimed at assisting SMEs through training, sharing knowledge, and strengthening capabilities. Export-ready companies will benefit from expert advice and actionable insights to navigate the complexities of international commerce and expand across borders.
The formal agreement was signed at the DHL Express UAE Dubai Office, with key figures in attendance including Mahmoud Haj Hussain, Managing Director of DHL Express UAE, and Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone.
In discussing this collaboration, Abdalla Al Banna highlighted the critical role of Dubai’s SME sector in driving economic growth, emphasizing its importance to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He confirmed that DWTC Free Zone is dedicated to facilitating the expansion of local businesses into wider markets by providing access to vital infrastructure, professional networks, and specialized insights.
Al Banna explained that the partnership with DHL Express offers invaluable resources to the Free Zone community through the GoTrade programme, equipping businesses with the essential skills for international commerce and global growth. He stated that this collaboration supports DWTC Free Zone’s vision of fostering a competitive, forward-looking business landscape conducive to innovation and sustained economic progress in Dubai.
The DWTC Free Zone will extend the DHL GoTrade programme to over 2,500 companies across more than 40 sectors, all located in some of Dubai’s most prominent commercial spaces within the Central Business District.
As part of the initiative, involved SMEs will gain access to complimentary expert-led training with no prerequisites. The extensive curriculum features 14 interactive modules on vital business topics, including logistics management, international trade laws, customs processes, e-commerce, customer experience strategies, and financial planning.
Mahmoud Haj Hussain remarked that while the pathway to international trade has become more open, many SMEs continue to encounter hurdles when entering global markets. He underscored that DHL Express acts not just as a logistics provider but as a crucial ally in growth, connecting firms to international prospects through its extensive network and trade expertise.
He elaborated that the GoTrade programme empowers entrepreneurs and SMEs with tangible know-how in areas such as international shipping, customs protocols, e-commerce, and cross-border operations. This knowledge is pivotal for businesses looking to compete effectively on a global scale.
The partnership also lays the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing between DWTC Free Zone and DHL Express, with plans for future SME-centered initiatives aimed at driving business growth and innovation.
This collaboration marks another milestone in DWTC Free Zone's strategy to create value for emerging enterprises, start-ups, and established businesses operating in the Free Zone.
DWTC Free Zone continues to stand out as a leading business hub in the region, offering 100 percent foreign ownership, no personal income tax, and a wide array of over 1,200 licensed business activities for companies keen on establishing and growing their international ventures.
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