DP World steps back from Pakistan
DP World has rather surprisingly withdrawn from the bidding process at Pakistans Gwadar port. Publicly, it claims this was done for commercial reasons, although there were serious concerns in India about the companys presence in neighbouring Pakistan given that DP World also manages several terminals in India.
India’s National Security Council is already worried by the presence of the United Arab Emirates-based company in domestic ports.
This about-face is even more surprising given that DP World was at one stage discussing an actual management contract with the Pakistani government, having been nominated preferred bidder by Gwadar Port Implementation Authority. The concession contract is now expected to be awarded to a PSA-led consortium. Operations are due to commence in March 2007.