Engr. Saed Al Awadi

Release date: 30th August 2010  

As a result of the UAE trade mission, headed by Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), Government of Dubai, and its agencies, to South America early this year, new business opportunities particularly in exports of products and services were explored by local companies.

Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC), an agency of DED and the government body charged of promoting exports from the Emirates, is extending its support and services through its partners to companies that are already expanding businesses in South America. In addition, more delegations from countries like Argentina, Brazil and Chile are visiting the UAE to explore trade and foster mutual partnerships.

“The trade mission we’ve conducted in South America has proven to be successful as more companies are encouraged to expand their businesses in the western region. Consequently, we have seen an increase of Latin American companies wishing to do business here in the UAE,” Engineer Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, EDC said.

“South America is considered as an important export and investment market for the UAE particularly in Dubai. EDC is supporting its members with value-add services by providing them with appropriate trade knowledge as well as government representation whenever possible in these markets,” he added.

Wavetec, a leading high-tech company provider of Information Display Systems and Electronic Queue Management Systems in the Middle East and other countries, is among the companies, which have benefited from the South American trade mission. Based out of Dubai Silicon Oasis, Wavetec has recently started overseas operations in South America with focus in Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

Currently, the company has already started exporting LED products in Chile’s two new national TV studios. Wavetec is also participating in several tenders and projects in these key countries.

High-impact event to highlight environmental credentials of U.S. hardwood products and their importance in sustainable design

August 22, 2010

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the American hardwood industry, is set to conduct a free seminar called ‘Designing & Working with American Hardwoods’ in Dubai, targeting architects and interior designers in the UAE. The high-impact event, which will take place on September 26, 2010 from 7 to 9 PM at the Park Hyatt Hotel, will revolve around educating attendees about the wide variety of American hardwood species as well as their important environmental credentials and their importance in sustainable design. AHEC officials are positive of the impact of the seminar given that American hardwoods are well established in the Gulf and have been specified in many high end private, commercial and public projects.

The event will centre around two key presentations, given by Criswell Davis, Sustainable Hardwood Design Consultant and Bob Sabistina, Hardwood Technical Consultant and will be geared towards architects and interior designers, as well as manufacturers who use hardwoods in the production of furniture, flooring and joinery. Davis will provide in-depth information on the U.S. hardwood forest and its environmental credentials, as well as on the variety and commercial availability of American hardwood species and the potential they offer for design and end use in the Middle East. Sabistina will provide an introduction to the grading of American hardwood lumber according to the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) rules, which will include a practical demonstration.

“This seminar offers an excellent opportunity for architects, interior designers and other industry professionals to gain a more in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics and advantages of American hardwoods. Further, the event is designed to allow for full audience participation thereby offering a unique opportunity for anyone coming into contact with wood products to learn about American hardwoods at first hand from industry experts. We have organised this seminar in other countries across the region and the response has always been very positive, and so we are confident that we can generate the same level of interest here in the UAE,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC Director for Africa, Middle East, India and Oceania.

In the MENA region, significant increases in demand for U.S. hardwood lumber are being monitored, with red oak being the most sought-after species. With a total export volume of 11,298 cu. metres in the first six months of 2010, red oak shipments to the region have grown by 18 per cent as compared to the same period last year. Among the regional markets, the UAE is demonstrating renewed and steadily increasing interest for U.S. hardwoods, with import figures reaching USD 4.3 million from January to June 2010. The figures are up by 84 per cent from the USD 2.3 million recorded for the same time period in 2009, thereby underlining the UAE’s position as one of the top American hardwood importers. In line with this, AHEC is seeking to tap into the burgeoning opportunities within the domestic interiors, furniture, flooring, kitchen cabinets, doors and internal joinery markets.

“The UAE market is demonstrating stable growth, which we believe marks an important turning point as customers, manufacturers and other industry players become active again. As we continue to monitor increased demand for American hardwoods in the UAE and the rest of the MENA region, we will be undertaking further initiatives to highlight the exemplary qualities of our products and how using them can benefit the furniture, construction and other industries in the region. Through this seminar, we aim to engage specifiers and manufacturers and shed light on various issues, which will ultimately help them make more informed decisions,” concluded Wiles.

TNT SAB Express Saudi Arabia responds to favourable economic climate by increasing headcount and shifting to new offices

August 17, 2010

TNT Logo

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s growing population of nationals and expatriates and its strong economy are accelerating the growth of the local delivery services sector. Major international express distribution players such as TNT affirm that the Saudi market is increasing its contribution to their global operating incomes.

Around 26.5 million people live in the Kingdom, an estimated 26 per cent of who are expatriates. The population is expected to climb to as high as 31.7 million over the next five years, with expatriates expected to number between 7.9 to 8.5 million. This demographic profile along with the robust local economy requires a wide range of services such as express delivery.

TNT SAB Express, one of the KSA’s leading express freight companies and the local arm of express delivery services multi-national TNT Express N.V., is leveraging positive market conditions by expanding the scope of its activities and services, while also increasing headcount and transferring its main branch in Jeddah to new executive offices. The company had recently announced a 30 per cent increase in revenues for the first half of 2010 over the same period last year and has introduced two additional retail outlets in Jeddah, located in the historic area of Al-Balad and Prince Majed Street.

“Saudi imports have grown significantly over the past few years and have catapulted the country ahead of other leading Middle Eastern countries in the logistics field. Our strong performance for the first half of this year especially reflects the growing opportunities in the Kingdom’s delivery services sector, and we are adopting fresh strategies to become even more visible in this growth market. Our move to new offices will further enhance our image and leverage the strong global patronage enjoyed by the TNT brand,” said Martyn Wright, Managing Director, TNT SAB Express Saudi Arabia.

TNT SAB Express is the Saudi arm of TNT Express, the express delivery services division of international express and mail company TNT N.V. TNT N.V. fully owns operations in 64 countries and delivers documents, parcels and freight to over 200 countries which enables TNT SAB Express to provide businesses and consumers worldwide with an extensive range of services for their express delivery needs into and out of the Saudi market.

Release date: 15th August 2010

UAE-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) availing the newly launched Export Assistance Program (EAP) can receive up to 33% of financial support relating to their approved expenses concerning export activities as explained in a series of briefing sessions rolled out by Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC), an agency of the Government of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED).

Providing a detailed insight about the EAP, the sessions discussed the general policies and procedures, qualification requirements as well as the application process. SMEs were also given an overview on the eligible marketing activities and reimbursable expenses within EAP.

“The Export Assistance Program was developed to help privately owned companies in entering other countries to market their products and services. This financial assistance scheme intends to assist aspiring and current exporters to undertake export promotion activities to increase opportunities outside the UAE.

“In this scheme, a qualified entity can receive up to AED100,000 in grant payments during a year. This is equal to one third of the actual expenses not exceeding the applicable expense limits,” said Engineer Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, EDC.

During the sessions, EDC also explained the benefits of EAP to exporters including the suitable activities eligible for reimbursements such as participation in trade exhibitions, market research, market and buyer visits. Also highlighted were eligible products that are of UAE origin with a minimum 40% value addition in the UAE.

The EAP is available to SMEs that are members of EDC and have a stable operation licensed by a government entity preferably by DED. Entry application to become EAP member has already commenced. English and Arabic applications are available online via www.dedc.gov.ae/en/eap/entry-application/ and www.dedc.gov.ae/ar/eap/entry-application/ respectively.

Mr. Sami

Release date: 7th August 2010

The Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC), an agency of the Government of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development, has launched its new Export Assistance Program, which would provide financial assistance to aspiring and current exporters.

The Export Assistance Program has been developed to help privately owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) exploit international business opportunities by providing access to financial assistance that will help them to commence and develop their export activities which would result in the export of goods and services of UAE origin.

H.E. Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED), explained that the newly launched scheme would serve as a catalyst for creating, developing and expanding export markets for UAE products.  “In accordance with Dubai’s Strategic Plan 2015, the Export Assistance Program will help us expand the overall number of sustainable national exporters for the long-term benefit of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a whole,” he said.

“Qualified SMEs will be encouraged to undertake export promotion activities in order to create or increase the demand outside the country for their products.  Suitable activities which are eligible for partial reimbursement under the Export Assistance Program include conducting market studies, carrying out market visits, exhibiting at trade exhibitions and carrying out buyer visits,” Al Qamzi added.

Saed Al Awadi, CEO of the Export Development Corporation, said that over the past three years, EDC has worked tirelessly to create an enabling environment for Dubai’s exporters and enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai as a preferred trading partner. “The EDC has a very clear objective to be a world-class export development and promotion body and has developed value-added trade support services to UAE based firms exporting through Dubai for accelerated and profitable expansion of their businesses in foreign markets”.

“This new scheme is aimed at promoting exports of goods and services that are of UAE origin with a minimum 40% value addition in the UAE,” he added.

Apart from the Export Assistance Program, the EDC also offers practical export advice, international market intelligence and on-going export support to aspiring and current exporters in Dubai and the rest of the UAE.

Fourth major package awarded in last year for Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone

July 27, 2010

KPIZ

Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) today (Tuesday, 27 July 2010) announced the award of an AED 1,028,468,290 contract to a joint venture between ED Zublin AG and Al Jaber Transport & General Contracting for its flagship Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone (KPIZ) project.

The agreement is for the detailed design, construction, fit-out, testing and commissioning of the offshore port’s civil and structural building works, which will provide the infrastructure necessary to support the commencement of port operations in 2012.  Work is due to begin immediately and is scheduled for completion in August 2012.

ADPC Chief Executive Officer, Tony Douglas, commented on his pleasure in announcing another key partner who is committed to delivering a high quality solution, safely, on time and to budget. 

Highlights of the scope include:

 Construction of 23 buildings and associated structures, including the Terminal Operations Building – a six storey construction which will become the port’s centre of operations. Other significant buildings include an offshore clinic, fire station; harbour master building, worker services building, four 11kV substations and maintenance and repair workshops.
 Over 1000m of quay wall and associated marine fenders and bollards.
 A 5.4km dual carriageway linking the offshore port to the mainland with associated service roads, street lighting and two helipads.
 Provision of site-wide utilities including electrical, drainage, sewerage, potable water, and telecoms.

Located midway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the Taweelah industrial district, KPIZ will commence operations in 2012 and over the long term to 2030 will comprise 420 square kilometers of prime industrial land organized into vertically integrated clusters for aluminium, petrochemicals, glass, paper and other major sectors.  It will consist of a new, world-class multi-purpose offshore port and one of the largest integrated industrial zones in the world.  KPIZ is a feature of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and will play a major role in the emirate’s industrial and economic diversification by serving as a key hub for large scale industrial investments serviced by a world class port, transport and other facilities.

Phase 1 of Khalifa Port will open in 2012, replacing Abu Dhabi’s existing main port of Mina Zayed. The new port will have an initial capacity of 2 million TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units), of containers and 9 million tons of general cargo. The dedicated EMAL berth will be operational later this year. When all phases of Khalifa Port are completed, it will have a capacity of 15 million TEUs of containers and 35 million tons of general cargo.

• Sales in the GCC grew by 31 percent over the same period last year – surge led by trucks and SUVs
• Ford’s quality drive, rolling out world-class and award-winning products, gains increased attention
• Customer base growing as buyers recognize Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality and segment-exclusive innovations; Ford brand now has the highest initial quality among all non-luxury brands according to J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Initial Quality Study

New Ford Oval grille-final

DUBAI, UAE, July 27, 2010 – Ford Middle East continues full speed ahead with GCC-wide sales growth of 31 percent during the first six months of 2010 over the same period last year.

SUVs and Trucks led the surge with 46 percent increases, while cars posted 18 percent growth in sales across the region driven by the new Ford Fusion and Taurus. The company is strongly positioned and set to end the year on an upbeat following the arrival of new models in the third quarter according to Hussein Murad, Ford’s director of Sales in the Middle East.

The Middle East results reflect Ford’s strength globally with the company posting nearly US$4.7 billion first half net income after tax, an impressive US$3.85 billion improvement over the same period last year.  Earnings per share rose to US$1.13 during the first half of 2010, up by US$2.03 compared to the same period in 2009.  Ford Motor Company’s second quarter income after tax was registered at US$2.6 billion, an increase of US$338 million against US$2.2 billion in the second quarter of 2009.

In the Middle East, SUVs continued to be favourites among Ford vehicles, with 97 percent increase in sales for Expedition, followed by Explorer at 83 percent and Flex at 58 percent while Ford F-150 led the truck sales with 486 percent over the same period last year.  In the passenger car segment, Fusion led the growth, recording a 105 percent sales increase in first half.  Additionally, the all-new Taurus, although in short supply, was up by 75 percent.  Ford’s legendary Mustang also continued to increase in popularity, with sales growing by 16 percent.

“This has been an exceptional half year for Ford in the region, and we anticipate sustained growth,” said Murad. “Thanks to new products we’ve introduced - and our visible commitment industry leading quality, safety, technology and value for money across the Ford marque - our customer base is growing at an unprecedented pace, and we are gaining market share.  Ford’s global success story is clearly rippling across all of our markets,” he said.

Ford has been strengthened as a result of its aggressive push for quality products, rolling out vehicles that have received numerous recognitions from consumers, and private and government bodies.  Most recently, Ford was recognized for having the highest quality among all non-luxury brands in the J.D. Powers and Associates’ 2010 Initial Quality Study (published June 2010).

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, sales were up by 56 percent, thanks to hefty gains from sales of Expedition at 159 percent, Explorer increasing by 144 percent, Fusion by 91 percent and Taurus by 57 percent.  Qatar follows with 22 percent increase year-on-year and UAE recording a rise of 15 percent.  Kuwait enjoyed robust sales in Explorer posting an increase of 70 percent and a 55 percent increase for the all-new Taurus.

The same bright picture is seen in the US, as Ford Motor Company reported a first half sales increase of 28 percent versus a year ago, with June sales alone up by 15 percent.

“Our growth here and globally confirms the success of Ford’s transformation plan,” said Murad. “We are enjoying strong business not only because of the quality products in our line up but also due to the ongoing commitment of our dealers,” Murad added.

Ford’s product drive remains on track for 2010 with a host of new models making their way into the region including the new Mustang V6 and V8 models, and the all-new crossovers Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.    

Under the Patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 26 July 2010: Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) today (Monday, July 26, 2010) announced plans to host the industry’s first World Ports & Trade Summit in 2011 under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

In a show of strength from the industry, Abu Dhabi Terminals and the Arab Sea Ports Federation joined ADPC and event organisers Turret Media and Seatrade, at a press conference to pledge their support for the inaugural Summit in Abu Dhabi. Other confirmed partners include Bechtel as platinum sponsor and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority as exclusive destination partner.

Scheduled for 28-30 March 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, internationally renowned economists, ports authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, global cargo owners and investors will be brought together to study the alternative futures facing the industry; to learn about new projects; to understand the investment opportunities taking shape and to find suppliers who can make projects happen.

Tony Douglas, CEO of ADPC commented, “The World Ports & Trade Summit will deliver a vital exchange of knowledge as the ports and shipping industries look to evolve development strategies in line with economic management and recovery.”

“ADPC is extremely proud to be a key partner of this brand new event in the United Arab Emirates. As ADPC continues to make the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) a reality, the company is now taking centre stage in the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy. KPIZ is set to become a major trade and business hub for the Middle East and we look forward to sharing our plans and developing our strategies alongside industry peers and experts at the Summit.”

The UAE isn’t the only country with grand designs in place for its coastal development. Despite the global economic downturn, spending on port developments in the Middle East is still growing, and industry sources state that USD 46.5 billion worth of port development projects are now planned or under way. The market for building and expanding the region’s ports has proved to be far more resilient than the wider construction sector as Governments and investors try to look beyond the current economic conditions and towards recovery and the future infrastructure needs of the Middle East.  

Chris Fountain, Managing Director of Event Organisers Turret Media explains, “We are consulting with port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, investors, and they are all thirsty for knowledge as Governments work towards economic recovery.”

Chris Hayman, Chairman of Seatrade, added: “The aim for the Summit is to deliver an unrivalled information exchange and networking platform for the industry in a city spearheading the development of ports and associated industrial zones.”

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE has already confirmed participation as a keynote speaker.

Comprising a carefully designed mix of keynote conference sessions, panel debates, training workshops and round table discussions, the Summit will also include an international exhibition and a fringe programme of networking events, association meetings, investor workshops and hosted tours of ports facilities in the UAE. The opening conference session is set to be a lively start to proceedings as award winning interviewer Tim Sebastian, Chairman of the Doha Debates and former presenter of BBC’s HARDtalk  moderates a discussion between leading economists, investors, retailers, freight forwarders and shipping lines. The panel will be tasked with debating the answers to some tough questions such as ‘what does the global macro-economic outlook mean for the region?’, ‘how will the recovery influence the pattern of trade?’ and ‘how will the major freight markets perform in 2011’?  Additional streams will look at the efficient operation of ports whilst reviewing the commercial impact of current and future legislation.

Companies being invited to exhibit include port equipment manufacturers and service suppliers, port and marine construction contractors and consultants, port authorities, terminal operators and government departments. Companies already requesting participation include Bechtel, Archirodon, Boskalis, SGS, Kone Cranes, ALE, Liebherr, Uzmar Shipbuilding, ADTA and ADBIC.

For further information and announcements visit www.worldportsandtrade.com

• Revenues rise 15% to AED 557 million with strong growth across all key markets and products
• Net profit margin at 10% for second quarter
• Well-positioned for future expansion in Africa, Southeast Asia, CIS

Fadi Ghandour, Aramex founder and CEO

Dubai, July 25, 2010: Aramex (DFM: ARMX), the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced its second quarter earnings for the three months ending June 30, 2010. The company reported net profits of AED 55 million, a 10% increase over the AED 50 million posted in the corresponding period of 2009. Net profits for the first half of 2010 stood at AED 102 million, growth of 10% over the AED 93 million achieved in the first six months of 2009.

For the second consecutive quarter, company revenues witnessed double-digit growth, reaching AED 557 million, a rise of 15% from the AED 485 million registered in the same period of 2009. These results were mainly due to an increase of business across the company’s operations and strong growth in freight services in Europe and India. Building on the solid performance achieved in the first quarter of 2010, the company also achieved a high net profit margin of 10% in the second quarter as it continued to focus on operational cost efficiency.

“These solid figures meet our expectations for this quarter, and are very much in line with historically strong performances across all levels of operations,” said Fadi Ghandour, Aramex founder and CEO. “Supported by our strong cash position, we remain focused on investing and expanding in emerging markets such as those in Africa, Southeast Asia and the CIS countries,” Ghandour added.

Aramex also continued, in the second quarter of 2010, to deliver on its commitments to the environment and communities, expanding its partnership agreement with UNICEF in the GCC. Among other initiatives and activities, Aramex released its second sustainability report in April 2010, outlining the company’s progress and highlighting steps to accelerate the adoption of sustainability practices.

The logistics wing of Dulsco ready to support the upsurge to meet the manpower needs of the sector

July 18, 2010

The UAE, is the top trade logistics service provider in the Gulf region according to the World Bank’s latest Logistics Performance Index, will lead the Middle East’s growth into a USD 27 billion transport and logistics market by 2012. Rising foreign investment and supportive government policies in particular are expected to further boost transport and logistics activities in the Emirates and across the region within the next few years.

Transport and logistics are typically among the first sectors to benefit from global economic upswings. The UAE in particular stands to gain from this growth due to the country’s strategic geographic location that has allowed it to maintain more than 60 per cent share of the Middle East’s total import flows. The logistics department of Dulsco HR Solutions helps fill in the manpower requirement of both skilled and unskilled category when the peaks arise in demand, hence working with companies in partnership to achieve their targets.

Manpower outsourcing has gained a substantial following across the Middle East due to the unpredictable business conditions brought about by the global economic crisis. Outsourcing has enabled companies in the region to focus more on their core activities and reduce overhead without compromising on operational efficiency. In addition, it enables organizations to gain access to highly skilled talent who have relevant expertise and experience in the local market.

“Over the past few years the region’s logistics industry has remained highly resilient against the recession, so a stimulated global economy would definitely elevate demand for competent manpower in this dynamic field. At Dulsco we have a pool of skilled and unskilled workers and are able to deploy them on short notice to meet the workforce needs of the market. Trained manpower reserves are made available to perform specific logistics-related roles such as stevedoring, warehouse operations, baggage handling, tally clerks, drivers and equipment handling,” said Surjeet Singh, General Manager – Logistics, Dulsco HR Solutions.

Dulsco HR Solutions is an ISO 9001:2000-certified company that offers manpower outsourcing solutions to various industries. A potential base of highly trained and capable 5,000 employees is available to be outsourced on long and short term basis.

Logistics outsourcing is still relatively underdeveloped in the region compared to other parts of the world. In the Gulf, the sector presently accounts for an estimated 2.3 per cent of combined GDP and has the potential to achieve as much as 10 per cent annual growth. The UAE aims to capture a substantial portion of the region’s logistics market by leveraging opportunities along the regional and international logistics and supply chain, especially as it is hours away from thriving economies such as India and China.