Gurugram, April 14, 2025: RITES Limited, a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, has entered into a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DP World, a leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, to explore potential opportunities for collaboration in the development of trade, logistics, and infrastructure projects. The MoU aims to foster mutual collaboration by exploring joint opportunities in infrastructure development, including ports, multimodal logistics parks, free trade zones, rail connectivity projects, and logistics infrastructure services.
Signed in the esteemed presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE; Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India; His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, along with Shri Rahul Mithal, Chairman & Managing Director of RITES Limited, and other distinguished dignitaries during the ‘CEO-Connect: Dubai-India Economic Ties & Opportunities’ in Mumbai on Tuesday, this MoU will foster collaboration in the areas of infrastructure development and trade between India and the UAE.
The Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC), launched in September 2024, is supported by MAITRI, a digital platform being developed with RITES. The VTC integrates customs, logistics, and regulatory processes into a single, seamless digital system to simplify and accelerate trade between the two nations. Since its launch, strategic workshops in India and the UAE have led to key decisions, paving the way for development of the proof of concept of the VTC using ports on both the sides such as Nhava Sheva, Deendayal, and Jebel Ali.
Commenting on the MoU, Mr. Rahul Mithal, Chairman and Managing Director, RITES Limited, said, “It is an alliance of like-minded entities, bringing together experience, expertise, and a rich legacy. By leveraging our collective strengths and resources, we are poised to create transformative synergies across key infrastructure projects, furthering our initiative to expand the footprints of ‘RITES Videsh’.”
Mr. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO, DP World, said: “This partnership with RITES Limited marks a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing trade and infrastructure development between India and the UAE. By leveraging the power of public-private collaboration and our combined expertise, we will bring innovation and efficiency to trade corridor development creating diversified trade routes that build resilience and unlock opportunities for everyone.”