DP World Financial Services, a DP World subsidiary, has started to facilitate access to trade finance for smaller companies as part of its strategy to become a global trade enabler.
According to a statement, the company has been granted a licence from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and will now seek to connect companies needing trade finance solutions with institutions through its CARGOES Finance platform.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comprise the bulk of economies around the world, including Dubai, but they often struggle to obtain necessary capital because there is limited data on their trading history.
This problem is exacerbated by the lack of paperless processes, which mean there is limited visibility on where goods have been, making it difficult for financial institutions to finance shipments.
DP World’s CARGOES Finance Platform intends to bring real-time data on trade passing through its digitalised global ports and logistics network to give financial institutions the information they need to accurately assess credit and compliance risks.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO and Chairman of DP World, said, “DP World’s objective is to enable global trade, including through digital innovation.
“Access to trade finance is critical to the survival and growth of exporters, importers and logistics companies which are the drivers of the global economy.
“CARGOES Finance platform provides financial institutions the opportunity to lend with confidence and helps smaller companies to access the capital they need. It will be a lead generator and source of new business for financial institutions, and a window of financing opportunities for traders”.
Mike Bhaskaran, Chief Operating Officer, DP World, also commented, “We are excited to work with DIFC to help enterprises get improved access to trade finance.
“This project is an important part of DP World’s strategy to be a global trade enabler, creating opportunity and prosperity. Together with DIFC we aim to make Dubai an ever more significant hub for the world’s trade.”
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, was quoted as saying, “DIFC is home to over 3,200 firms and we are delighted that DP World is joining them, recognising the opportunities available in the Centre to help diversify their business.
“DIFC and DP World are helping reaffirm Dubai’s reputation for being the region’s most business-friendly destination, shaping the future of finance and as a global hub for trade.
“Operating from DIFC will give DP World access to the many financial services companies in our ecosystem who provide solutions that facilitate global trade through Dubai.
“Those firms will be able to integrate with the CARGOES platform which provides an innovative approach focused on giving support to small and medium businesses who play an important role in our economy.”
