DP World expands its economic zone footprint in India
Streamlining supply chains and enhancing trade efficiency across the Indian subcontinent
In the dynamic world of international trade, businesses seek efficient and seamless solutions to navigate complex supply chains. Responding to this growing demand, DP World, the leading provider of global end-to-end supply chain solutions, unveiled a game-changing initiative – the Nhava Sheva Business Park (NSBP). Operational since 2022, DP World’s Mumbai Free Zone in Nhava Sheva represents a significant leap forward for the Indian trade ecosystem, providing a one-stop solution to simplify trade flows and enhance the ease of doing business.
The Mumbai Free Zone offers an exemplary economic zone designed to facilitate businesses in accessing domestic and international markets. Leveraging its strategic location just 5 km from the Nhava Sheva Port, it is ideally positioned to streamline the movement of cargo to and from the port. This proximity ensures seamless multimodal connectivity and quicker access to global markets, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Far West, unlocking the gateway to international trade opportunities.
World-class infrastructure
Boasting a best-in-class infrastructure, the Mumbai Free Zone is spread over 2 million square feet, making it one of the first port-based Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZ) in India. The park offers six operational warehouses, ranging from 140,000 to 185,000 square feet, accommodating diverse business needs. Additionally, it provides specialised and temperature-controlled warehouses, ensuring a comprehensive and flexible range of storage solutions for various industries.
Furthermore, the Mumbai Free Zone’s value-added services, such as labelling, packaging, and kitting, add significant operational efficiencies for businesses. Basic manufacturing and assembly of goods further enhance the park’s offerings, making it an attractive base for local and global players across sectors.
Regulatory excellence and customer-centric approach
DP World’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the Mumbai Free Zone’s streamlined regulatory and operational processes. Transactions there can be carried out in any freely convertible currency, eliminating currency restrictions and simplifying cross-border trade. One of the most enticing features of the park is the duty deferment for substantial periods, as import or re-export duties are not levied until the cargo clears customs regulations, easing financial burdens on businesses.
Additionally, the Mumbai Free Zone allows businesses to store their goods within the country without requiring formal entity registration in India, providing an exceptional advantage for foreign suppliers looking to establish a presence in the Indian market.
Embracing DP World’s “One Port, One Zone” approach, the park provides an exclusive, all-encompassing solution for the movement of goods from the port, through the free trade zone, and on to the ultimate destination of the customer. This seamless integration enhances the efficiency and reliability of supply chains, bolstering India’s competitive position in the global trade economy.
Sustainable and technologically advanced
Emphasising its commitment to sustainability, the Mumbai Free Zone holds certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), IGBC (Indian Green Building Council), and TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association Certification). The park also features a 1.5MW capacity solar panel installation, rainwater harvesting, and RFID-enabled paperless warehouse operations, aligning with environmentally responsible practices.
Prioritising security and safety, the facility operates a state-of-the-art firefighting system, including in-rack sprinklers for enhanced fire safety, and round-the-clock surveillance systems ensure the protection of assets. The presence of EV charging points for equipment within the warehouses and vehicles in the parking facility demonstrates DP World’s commitment to adopting green technology solutions.
Empowering trade and manufacturing in India
The establishment of the Mumbai Free Zone represents DP World’s dedication to empowering trade and manufacturing in India. Speaking in this regard, Ranjit Ray, Head of Economic Zones, Middle East, North Africa and India Subcontinent, DP World said, “Our world-leading facility, the Nhava Sheva Business Park (NSBP), is meticulously designed to boost multi-sectoral trade, diversify, and scale up product supply chains. NSBP exemplifies DP World’s unwavering commitment to offering an efficient, one-stop solution that enhances ease of business. With NSBP’s strategic location, seamless multimodal connectivity, and streamlined regulatory/operational processes, we have prioritised customers’ requirements above all. Together with DP World’s well-established global supply chain network, NSBP empowers suppliers and customers to establish and expand their trading activities effortlessly, gaining access to both Indian and global markets. In addition to NSBP, we are establishing two more Economic Zones in India. Our Phase 1 in Chennai will be operational by Q4 2023, while Phase 2 in Cochin will be operational by Q1 2024.”
With the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, and National Highways in close proximity, the Mumbai Free Zone opens doors for businesses to tap into India’s vast consumer market and position the country as a prime hub for exports to neighbouring countries. It’s presence is expected to boost several sectors, including electronics, IT, telecom, pharmaceuticals, chemicals & petrochemicals, machinery, agri & foods, and metals, offering them a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
