Dubai’s Strategic Location And Business Environment Drives China’s J&T Express’ Growth
J&T Express, a leading multinational logistics company in Asia, has successfully expanded its presence in the Middle East with the support and guidance of Dubai International Chamber. As one of three chambers under Dubai Chambers, Dubai International Chamber works to enhance partnerships with global corporations, investors, and entrepreneurs to establish Dubai as a major trading hub.
Since entering the Dubai market with the assistance of Dubai International Chamber in 2021, J&T Express has rapidly grown its regional footprint, using Dubai as a strategic hub to access other Middle Eastern markets. The Chinese logistics company has significantly increased its operations, expanding its employee count from just five in 2021 to 750 in 2023 and operating a fleet of 500 delivery vans.
J&T Express now provides its services across the entire UAE, reflecting the benefits of Dubai’s unique business environment and strategic location for companies of all sizes. Dubai International Chamber served as a gateway to the Middle East for J&T Express, facilitating the company’s expansion and success in the region. The Chamber’s international representative office in Shenzhen, China, identified J&T Express as a company to watch and played a key role in facilitating its market entry and expansion into Dubai.
The Dubai International Chamber’s efforts promote bilateral trade to and from the emirate and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. J&T Express’s commitment to its UAE operations is reflected in its multiple warehouses, distribution centres, and an ever-growing fleet of vehicles.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, stated that J&T Express has gained significant benefits by expanding its business into the Middle East through Dubai, a key trading hub.
He further added that J&T Express is a highly valued and growing company that not only gains market presence in a new region but also supports the growth of Dubai and the wider region’s economy.
According to Lootah, J&T Express recognised the benefits of entering the Middle East market and the advantages of maintaining its regional base in Dubai. The company’s rapid growth across several regions has disrupted the market, but Dubai has always been a hub for innovators, visionaries, and entrepreneurs. Lootah expressed excitement to see what J&T Express will achieve in the region with the help of Dubai International Chamber.
Sean Xiao, the Chief Executive Officer of J&T Express Middle East, stated, “J&T Express Middle East is utilising Dubai’s world-class infrastructure to enhance e-commerce in the MENA region. With the unwavering support of the Dubai International Chamber, we are linking Chinese markets with MENA, driving logistics innovation, and promoting sustainable development. This expansion demonstrates J&T Express’ ability to achieve a leadership position in the regional logistics market.”
In October 2019, Dubai International Chamber opened an international representative office in Shenzhen, China, to expand its network and facilitate bilateral opportunities between Dubai and China. The representative office gathers market information, builds relationships with local businesses, and promotes Dubai as a strategic partner for Chinese companies looking to expand into the Middle East.
The chamber’s Shenzhen team identifies business opportunities in the city’s high-technology, hardware manufacturing, IT, finance, trade, tourism, maritime and logistics sectors, as well as prospects for Dubai International Chamber’s members and other Dubai companies to benefit from China’s development plans. The Shenzhen team facilitated J&T Express’ market entry and expansion into Dubai, providing due diligence, market information, and assistance with local regulations, free zone selection, and licensing.
J&T Express has made significant investments in its UAE operations, with several depots and distribution centres located across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. The company plans to expand further by adding more warehouses and vehicles by 2026.
Dubai is a hub of global trade with world-class infrastructure and several sector-specific trade zones, offering low and zero-tax advantages, expedited company formation, and streamlined visa application processes. Dubai’s legal and regulatory framework conforms to international norms, and its strategic location makes it an ideal base for progressive businesses seeking to expand into new markets, such as Africa and Central Asia, with greater ease.
The UAE ranks third after China and India for overall competitiveness based on logistic strengths, business climate, and digital readiness, and its logistics sector is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 8.4 percent, reaching US$31.4 billion by 2026, making it a significant contributor to the UAE’s economy. The Chamber is committed to promoting international trade and investment through its extensive global network of chambers and business associations.