Senior government officials and industry executives convened at the World Government Summit this week for a high-level roundtable on the future of global logistics and trade integration.
Co-chaired by DP World under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Global Logistics Dialogue focused on the key challenges facing international supply chains: regulatory fragmentation, lack of infrastructure and the need for digital transformation in trade corridors.
Among the participants, Prateek Suri, Chairman of Masser Group and MDR Investments, used his operating experience in Africa and the Middle East to highlight the persistent barriers to cross-border commerce.
“Companies still face significant customs delays and fragmented regulations when operating in multiple jurisdictions,” Suri said, pointing to the UAE’s role as a model for trade facilitation. “The efficiency of its ports and free zones demonstrates what is possible when infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are aligned.”
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Suri particularly highlighted the leadership of Zambia's Vice President Mutale Nalumango, and pointed to his government's focus on infrastructure development and public-private partnerships as evolving priorities across the continent.
“What we are seeing in Zambia reflects a broader shift towards sustainable development and regional connectivity,” he said.
The session also included insights from Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on port development and governance challenges in fragmented markets.
The discussion focused on how artificial intelligence, data platforms and interoperable systems can address long-standing inefficiencies in global trade. Participants emphasized that digital integration requires coordinated investment between the public and private sectors.
The talks concluded with commitments to create a more resilient and environmentally responsible trading system, although no specific policy outcomes were announced.
