DP World CEO Rizwan Soomar Welcomes Union Budget 2026 Push to Strengthen Trade and Logistics Ecosystem
MUMBAI: Reacting to the Union Budget 2026–27, Mr. Rizwan Soomar, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and the India Subcontinent at DP World, said the Budget marks a decisive step towards strengthening India’s end-to-end trade and logistics ecosystem.
Commenting on key policy measures, Mr. Soomar highlighted the ₹10,000 crore allocation for domestic container manufacturing, stating that it directly addresses a critical supply chain vulnerability and enhances India’s self-reliance in trade infrastructure.
“This Budget takes a decisive step towards strengthening India’s end-to-end trade and logistics ecosystem. The ₹10,000 crore allocation for domestic container manufacturing directly addresses a critical supply chain vulnerability, while digital customs, AI-enabled inspections and modern warehousing will materially reduce dwell time and improve cargo predictability,” Soomar said.
He further welcomed the expansion of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) benefits, including the provision for 30-day duty deferral, noting that the move would unlock working capital for trade-intensive businesses and improve ease of doing business across supply chains. According to him, enhanced flexibility in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) would also lead to better asset utilisation across India’s manufacturing hubs.
Mr. Soomar also underscored the importance of sustained investments in freight corridors, inland waterways and ship-repair capabilities, stating that these initiatives reinforce India’s ambition to emerge as a globally competitive, resilient and sustainable logistics gateway.
“Expanded AEO benefits, including 30-day duty deferral, will unlock working capital for trade-intensive businesses, and greater SEZ flexibility will drive better asset utilisation across manufacturing hubs. Sustained investments in freight corridors, inland waterways and ship-repair capabilities reinforce India’s ambition to become a globally competitive, resilient and sustainable logistics gateway,” he added.
