Global logistics leader DP World has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with digital payments giant PayPal to jointly develop a pioneering digital payments platform aimed at transforming cross-border trade.

This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to significantly accelerate international transactions—potentially reducing settlement times from up to a week to just minutes. The collaboration will enable merchants, shippers, exporters, importers, and marketplaces to conduct cross-border payments more transparently, affordably, and efficiently.

By merging DP World’s global supply chain and logistics expertise with PayPal’s secure digital payments infrastructure, the new platform aims to reduce friction in international trade, offering businesses a faster, more secure, and scalable payment solution.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO, said: “In logistics, speed and transparency mean everything and payments linked to logistics are no different, which is why we have undertaken our Digital Payments initiative. Our collaboration with PayPal is part of this initiative which aims to provide our customers with reliable options for cross-border payments that are faster, and more transparent, than traditional systems without compromising security. By simplifying global transactions, we are enabling businesses of every size to grow, move faster, and operate more efficiently across markets.”

“This solution marks another important step in DP World’s journey to transform the supply chain and make trade flow more efficiently. These partnerships allow us to bring trusted, digital-first solutions to global commerce, helping businesses and individuals trade more efficiently,” the chairman added.

Alex Chriss, President and CEO of PayPal, said: “Global trade works best when payments are fast, transparent, and secure. That is exactly what this partnership with DP World is delivering. For too long, global businesses have been underserved by traditional cross-border payment systems. Today, we are setting a new standard. I am proud to mark this milestone in a region that is becoming a global hub for digital innovation, as we continue building more connected and inclusive financial services for businesses worldwide.”

The partnership highlights DP World’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation in global commerce and supporting digital transformation in trade.