Union Budget 2025: Boost to Infrastructure, Trade, and Manufacturing Competitiveness, Says DP World CEO

New Delhi: The Union Budget 2025 will significantly enhance ease of doing business, workforce skilling, and manufacturing competitiveness through its continued focus on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and policy reforms, said Rizwan Soomar, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, DP World Middle East North Africa and India Subcontinent.

Commenting on the budget, Soomar highlighted key measures such as the development of maritime infrastructure, expansion of domestic air connectivity, and the strengthening of dedicated rail freight corridors (DFCs) as pivotal for enhancing logistics efficiency. He also welcomed the government’s focus on large-scale port modernization and inland water transport, particularly the tonnage tax scheme, which he believes will offer a more sustainable and cost-effective mode of cargo movement.

“The Bharat Trade Net initiative, aimed at simplifying trade documentation, will optimize supply chains through data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the INR 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund will strengthen the financial stability and competitiveness of indigenous shipbuilding and infrastructure projects, attracting private investments,” Soomar stated.

He also lauded the government’s move to extend the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) exemption on raw materials for shipbuilding and shipbreaking, which will help reduce dependency on imports. Furthermore, streamlining export compliance procedures and customs duty reforms will lower manufacturing costs and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

“The targeted sectoral initiatives under the National Manufacturing Mission will foster a resilient domestic production ecosystem, boosting exports and creating employment opportunities,” he added.

Soomar also welcomed the decision to share PM Gati Shakti data with private companies, calling it a step that will drive investment and efficiency in infrastructure development. “Access to comprehensive project data will enable better planning and execution, fostering growth across sectors,” he noted.

Overall, he described the budget as a decisive step toward transitioning from ‘Make in India’ to ‘Make in India for the World.’ “By leveraging infrastructure expansion, policy reforms, and human capital development, the budget lays the foundation for a more resilient, efficient, and competitive India,” Soomar concluded.