Dubai, March 10, 2010; Fonterra Brands Middle East has announced the appointment of Ahmad Yahya as Marketing Director for Middle East, Africa and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). 

Having worked in the FMCG sector for over 17 years, Ahmad Yahya’s extensive consumer insight and strategic marketing knowledge will greatly benefit the world’s largest dairy exporter.

He joins Fonterra from food giant Kraft, where he was head of the GCC marketing team for the region and prior to this, led the Kraft developing markets brand team. Before moving to Kraft, Ahmad worked for dairy brand Danone for two years and global giant Pepsi for around seven years, where he made significant strategic and tactical contributions to the success of the company while he was based in North America and Canada.

Amr Farghal, Managing Director for Fonterra Brands Middle East, Africa and CIS, said, “Ahmad’s significant practical experience in the field and extensive understanding of building brands in both emerging and developing markets, makes him an invaluable new addition to the company. He has exactly the right skills to help continue to grow the Fonterra brand.”

The world’s largest dairy exporter has a significant presence in the Middle East, Africa and CIS and accounts for around 20% of sales in Fonterra’s Asia Middle East consumer division.

“The opportunity to further establish Fonterra’s position as a leading company in the region is an exciting challenge.” says Ahmad. “It’s a great team they have here and I’m looking forward to working alongside them, building on the tremendous success of the company.”

Abu Dhabi, UAE. – 9th March 2010 – Various subjects aimed at enhancing the skills of logistics professionals and specialists in coping up with the region’s growing logistics demand will be highlighted in practical workshops that are to be held in conjunction with the first Global Logistics Forum organised by Aim Events, the Events Management Division of Abu Dhabi University.

In these workshops, topics such as: optimising logistics infrastructure and logistics service offerings in industrial estates ports, airports and trading hubs; introduction of transportation concepts as key leverage for increasing the value of logistics’ infrastructure for Logistics Service Providers (LSPs); and customer oriented development of logistics services, are to be discussed in order to provide delegates with well-rounded information and a hands-on grasp of concepts.

These workshops are to be conducted by internationally recognised transport and logistics experts headed by Dr. Roland Zibell, Director of ADI Services FZE; Michael Luebke, Director of Dornier Consulting and Transportation UAE and Dr. Philippe Tufingki, Managing Director, International Transfer Center for Logistics (ITCL), as well as Dr. Stephan Doch and Balkan Cetinkaya, both Doctoral Research Associate at ITCL.

The Global Logistics Forum, which will address topics and issues confronting the logistics sector in the GCC, is scheduled to take place on the 15th and 16th March, 2010, at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahar in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Rulers Representative in the Western Region.

Richard Firth, Director of the Institute for Vocational Development (IVD), a member of Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group (ADUKG), and one of the key supporters of the forum said, “As the logistics requirements continue to grow in the Middle East region and the GCC in particular, we have to ensure that our logistics professionals and industry experts are equipped with the right skills to meet the sector’s significant developments. The Global Logistics Forum offers tried and tested practical examples, interactive methods as well as in-depth perspectives from worldwide industry leaders, experts and academics.”

Consequently, IVD will also organise a two-day management training program on ‘Basic Principles, Organizational Concepts, Trends and Strategies in Logistics’ to be held on the 17th-18th March 2010 at Abu Dhabi University. The training, which will provide research-based and comprehensive insights into logistics’ basics functions and key sub-areas, offers special discounts for the Global Logistics Forum delegates.

The Global Logistics Forum is jointly presented by Abu Dhabi University and the Berlin Institute of Technology (TU-Berlin) Chair of Logistics. His Excellency Abdulla Rashid Khalaf Al Otaiba, Chairman of the Department of Transport, Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi and Director of the Board, Abu Dhabi Ports Company, and His Excellency Gerhard Schröder, former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, will headline the forum.

The forum is also supported by the Institute for Vocational Development, a member of the Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group; The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; and BVL, the German Logistics Association. For more information about the event, please visit www.globallogisticsforum.com.

ADSB’s AED 460 million CNIA interceptor vessel deal reinforces its key support service role for Gulf & Middle East maritime defence

March 1, 2010

Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the leading shipbuilder and naval support services provider in the Gulf region, has announced that Gulf Logistics and Naval Support LLC (GLNS), the new joint venture between ADSB and the UK’s BAE Systems Surface Ships, will be joining the International Security National Resilience (ISNR) Exhibition and Conference for the first time.

Widely regarded as the definitive event in the Middle East, ISNR Exhibition will run from March 1 to 3, 2010 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. ADSB aims to further broaden its regional presence through GLNS’ participation in the event. The ship builder has been receiving additional enquiries from maritime security organizations after it signed an AED 460 million deal to supply 34 high-speed interceptor boats for Abu Dhabi’s Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) in 2009. CNIA, the government authority tasked to oversee the protection of the emirate’s vital assets and infrastructure, will act as a Strategic Partner for ISNR 2010.

“GLNS’ inclusion in ISNR 2010 is an excellent opportunity for ADSB to show how its expertise in shipbuilding and naval support can help build up the Middle East’s defense capabilities. Through our presence in high-profile events such as ISNR and key partnerships with organizations such as CNIA and BAE Systems we are confident that we can sustain the momentum of our strong performance in 2009 and extend our Gulf maritime leadership further to the Middle Eastern markets,” said Homaid Al Shemmari, Chairman, ADSB.

ADSB recently announced that it posted a record net profit of AED 114.39 million on revenues of over AED 1.16 billion in 2009, to achieve an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of 53.9 fils. The company’s total assets also grew 29 per cent over 2008 to more than AED 2.2 billion. Officials attributed ADSB’s strongest-ever annual performance to new projects initiated with major organizations such as the UAE Navy, CNIA, and the Royal Bahrain Naval Force last year.

Abu Dhabi Ship Building, the most modern naval shipyard in the Gulf, is a Public Joint Stock Company that was established in 1996. It manages the only shipyard in the region capable of building, refitting, repairing and upgrading complex naval warships. ADSB’s client base includes Navies, Coast Guards and other military, paramilitary and commercial vessel operators across the GCC region. Mubadala Development Company owns 40 per cent of the shipbuilder, with the rest shared by the Abu Dhabi Government (10 per cent) and individual UAE Nationals (50 per cent). More information on ADSB can be viewed at www.adsb.net.

Company expects to receive over 2,500 job applications from Emiratis this year

February 24, 2010

Al Ansari Exchange, a leading provider of worldwide remittance and foreign exchange services, is staging an extensive participation at the ‘National Career Exhibition 2010’, a specialised career-focused event for the UAE banking and financial sector, which opened today (February 24, 2010) at the Sharjah Expo Centre. Following its success in last year’s exhibition where over 2,000 UAE nationals applied for available positions, the company announced that it is expecting the application of more than 2,500 Emiratis during this year’s event, which will run until the 26th.

The leading exchange house has been active in participating in recruitment events in line with its commitment to the country’s Emiratization programme, which focuses on providing suitable employment to local talents. The company seeks to highlight the excellent career advancement opportunities it can offer UAE nationals in the realm of worldwide remittance and foreign exchange services and leverage this talent to grow its operations across the country. This includes full training on anti-money laundering and money exchange, as well as on Al Ansari’s services including Auto Remit, Cash Express eExchange and Online Remittances.

“Hiring local talents is imbedded in our corporate policy because they provide us with excellent advantage in terms of the use of Arabic language in communicating with a large percentage of our clients and global partners, among other valuable contributions to our organisation,” said Mohammad Al Ansari, Managing Director, Al Ansari Exchange. “In exchange, we provide local applicants with excellent training that hone their capabilities to excel in the remittance and foreign exchange services market, or if they decide to work with local and international banks. We attend career-oriented exhibitions such as the ‘National Career Exhibition 2010’ to find the most qualified local talents to join our team, and we are confident that we will be able to surpass the number of applications from UAE nationals we have received last year.”

Since its establishment in 1966, Al Ansari Exchange has carved a niche in the market by offering reliable, customer-oriented products and services, including worldwide money transfer, foreign exchange, transfers through Western Union & Cash Express, and door-to-door delivery of remittance. The company also provides ancillary services, such as cash advance and encashment against credit cards, credit card bill payment, and issuance of National Bonds certificates, travelers’ cheques, and e-exchange, among others.

“We are committed to enhancing the exchange industry by providing newly hired personnel solid professional foundation that will allow them to cope with industry requirements and thus open up a promising future for their career in the financial sector. These new recruits will also play a significant role as we move towards achieving our goal to operate 100 branches across the UAE and in strengthening our partnerships with over 150 correspondent banks and agents worldwide,” concluded Al Ansari.

Abu Dhabi, UAE. – 23rd February 2010 – Former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Gerhard Schröder will give his insights on the latest German–Emirati trade development in Abu Dhabi and the UAE during his opening keynote address at the Global Logistics Forum held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Rulers Representative in the Western Region.  

In addition, Schröder is expected to highlight various best practices in supply chain & logistics sector from around the world during the forum happening on 15th and 16th March 2010, at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahar, Abu Dhabi. Jointly presented by Abu Dhabi University and the Berlin Institute of Technology (TU-Berlin) Chair of Logistics, the first of its kind forum in the UAE will tackle how to customise local requirements of infrastructure projects in the region.

“The UAE continue to set new benchmarks for economic growth in the region with its significant developments in the fields of infrastructure, real estate and logistics. The Global Logistics Forum aims to bridge the gap between the global supply chain industry and the logistics sector in the Middle East particularly in the UAE and the GCC,” said James Graham, General Manager, Aim Events, the Events Management Division of Abu Dhabi University.

“Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder is well in placed to address the forum in terms of the ongoing trade development projects in the Middle East with his proper understanding of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, risks, and success factors from the local and global point of view. He also conducted various strategic partnerships with countries in the region particularly in the UAE.”

Meanwhile, a host of leading local and international industry experts are also expected to speak during the forum such as Mohammed Al Shamsi, Port Unit Vice President, Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone Development, who will discuss the development of a modern port infrastructure in Abu Dhabi; Prof. Dr. Stephen Riemelt, Chief Executive Officer, IPIC Ferrostaal Contracting who will talk about the ChemaWEyaat programme in Abu Dhabi; Dr. Roland Zibell, Director, ADI Services FZE, a consultant to Dubai Logistics City and Peter Glatz, Chief Executive Officer, Schenker Middle East

The forum is supported by the Institute for Vocational Development, a member of the Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group; The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; and BVL, the German Logistics Association. For more information about the event, please visit www.globallogisticsforum.com.

The Middle East region has contributed double digit growth rates to the HARTMANN GROUP’s AED 7.55 billion (over Euro 1.5 billion) turnover in 2009.

The group’s success is due in part to the H1N1 flu pandemic scare worldwide, according to an official of the medical company based at the Dubai Airport Freezone.

“2009 is the best year ever for us. We have not been adversely affected by the financial crisis and we even enjoyed double digit growth last year due to increased hygienic measures implemented by healthcare centres as preventive measures against the H1N1 swine flu pandemic,” said Alexander Burger, Managing Director of PAUL HARTMANN Middle East.

The HARTMANN GROUP is a multinational company operating in the field of medical and hygiene products. The core of the product portfolio offered under the HARTMANN brand is formed by professional system solutions in the areas of wound management, incontinence hygiene, and risk prevention in the operating theater. Complementary products and supplementary services round out the range for medicine and hygiene.

The focus is on products and services for professional users in hospitals, doctors’ practices, nursing homes, and home-care services. HARTMANN offers innovative all-in-one solutions made up of user-friendly products and fit-to-purpose services – helping in this way to make everyday work to enhance patients’ well-being that bit more efficient and cost-effective.

Established in the Dubai Airport Freezone in 2004, the almost 200-year-old German company is able to access its core markets in the Gulf in a very short period of time, due to its close distance to most of the GCC countries. HARTMANN’s office in the Freezone deals with distributors in the Middle East, North Africa, the Sub-Continent and South-East Asia, acting as the Regional Office for these markets. According to Mr. Burger the company has around 9,500 employees worldwide.

Distinguishing his company from competitors from Asia, Mr. Burger pointed out, “Our emphasis is on the quality of products and after sales support. We aim to be the partner of health care institutions rather than acting as a mere supplier, unlike other companies who compete on price.”

Explaining his decision to open a branch at the Dubai Airport Freezone, he stated: “Apart from the convenience of access to the airport, we like the quality of service of the Freezone administration. I have noticed the high quality of service which has been standardized and continuously improved throughout the years.”

Mr. Burger sees a tremendous potential in the Middle East market. “As a company, we aim at a market share of 20 per cent or to be No. 1 or 2 in the market.”

He added that HARTMANN participated in Arab Health where the company promoted a new concept for the operating room using the latest technology.

“The health care and pharmaceutical sector is a fast growing segment among tenants at the Dubai Airport Freezone and the Freezone continues to exert an effort in this direction to increase the number of companies by participating in exhibitions such as Arab Health,”  said Mr. Nasser Madani, Assistant Director General, Dubai Airport Freezone. “Currently, the Freezone has 75 multinational and major healthcare and pharmaceutical companies operating.”

Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC), an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), Government of Dubai, aims to strengthen UAE food exports during the sidelines of the inaugural Gulfood Conference at the 15th edition of the Gulfood Exhibition, the Middle East’s largest food, drink, foodservice and hospitality exhibition.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the Gulfood Exhibition serves as a perfect venue for EDC to showcase the exports and value-added services provided to UAE companies in the food sector. Dubai food products are currently being exported to over 130 countries and there are various foreign market opportunities available to this growing sector.

The main keynote speech of the Gulfood Conference was given by Engineer Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, EDC, which he tackled the importance of entering new exciting export markets and the number of foreign companies aiming to capitalise on Dubai’s infrastructure advantages to capture regional business opportunities.   The four-day conference and knowledge exchange forum will offer delegates unprecedented access to the experts, analysts and visionaries who are shaping the business and developing the marketing strategies that will lead food, beverage and hospitality businesses into the next decade.

“As a regional forerunner in assisting and facilitating exporters, EDC prides itself in creating an enabling environment for exports and enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai as a preferred trading partner. Our strategic partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre opened doors for our members to participate in world class exhibitions such as the Big 5 Exhibition and the Gulfood Exhibition.

“Among our main objectives is to create an ideal exporting environment for our local companies to expand and export their products outside the UAE. The Gulfood Conference not only serves as a networking occasion for our companies from the food sector, but they are also given the chance to hear from experts and analysts who are shaping the business and developing the marketing strategies contributory to the food sector’s success in the next decade,” said Engineer Saed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Export Development Corporation.

Among the topics presented in the Gulfood Conference are the global trends in food, beverage & processing; regulatory legislation and regional expansion opportunities. Through this event, local companies from the food sector will have an advantage of exchanging the newest technologies available with thousands of regional and international companies participating at the event. This opportunity allows them to open possible new markets for their products and services.

The total main exports products from Dubai was worth AED60.3 billion in 2008, wherein 7 per cent were comprised of prepared foodstuffs. The top food products exported was Sugars and Sugar Confectionery wherein it posted AED1.1 billion and 40 per cent was imported by Pakistan while 26 per cent went to Iraq. Products such as Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations had 42 per cent being exported to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the GCC and the Levant areas, while 22 per cent of Animal or Vegetable fats, Oils and Waxes went to Afghanistan.

Dubai’s exports of Preparations of Meat, of Fish of Crustaceans and Molluscs also reached as far as the USA (25 per cent) followed by Afghanistan with 21 per cent and Djibouti with 16 per cent. The Preparations of Cereals, Flour, Starch, Milk, Pastry cooks were being exported to countries such as Angola, Yemen, South Africa, Somalia, Mozambique, Morocco, the USA, Afghanistan, Sudan and Ghana.

This year’s Gulfood Exhibition, happening on 21-24 February at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will witness the latest trends and innovations, and hundreds of product launches from every corner of the Middle East, North Africa and Indian Sub-Continent.

HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially supports the forum

Abu Dhabi, UAE. – 20th February 2010 – A host of leading local and international industry experts are expected to speak at The Global Logistics Forum to be held on new dates 15th and 16th March, 2010, at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahar, Abu Dhabi, who will address the growing demand for logistics services and infrastructure in the Middle East.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Rulers Representative in the Western Region, the forum aims to bridge the gap between the global supply chain industry and the regional logistics sector. The forum organised by Aim, the Events Management Division of Abu Dhabi University, will also discuss subjects related to customising local requirements of infrastructure projects, and the development of the global logistic services in the Middle East region

According to the International Logistics Performance Index’s cross-country comparison, the UAE presently ranks the highest in the region in terms of performance within the logistics and supply chain industry, marking 3.63% growth during 2009. Bahrain follows in second place at 3.37%, and Kuwait comes third at 3.28%.

“With the outbreak of developmental projects in the tertiary sector, there is now, more than ever, a need to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, risks, and success factors from a local and global point of view,” said James Graham, General Manager, Aim.  “The Global Logistics Forum is an ideal platform for the integration of ideas from the best minds in the industry, and it paves the way for not only the conception of innovative solutions in logistics, but also ensures that these are brought to reality.

“The speakers at this year’s Global Logistics Forum will collectively bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding about ever-changing strategies within the logistics industry, and attendees will benefit from their shared insight on what is required not only to fulfil the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, but also to succeed in the global market,” Graham added.

Resulting from a long-term strategic partnership between the Abu Dhabi University and the Berlin Institute of Technology (TU-Berlin) Chair of Logistics, an internationally renowned university in Germany, the Global Logistics Forum is a step towards the development of a long term, high quality programme of courses, events and knowledge transfer within the field of supply chain logistics.

Among the main speakers is Mohamed Al Shamsi, Port Unit Vice President, Abu Dhabi Ports Company, who will discuss the future of the country’s logistics industry in parallel with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, and Professor Dr. Stephan Reimelt, Chief Executive Officer, IPIC Ferrostaal Contracting, and member of the Executive Board, MAN

Ferrostaal AG will provide an understanding of the factors that bring success to local projects run by global players at the forum.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Eng. Frank Straube, member of the Management Board of the European Logistics Association, will account the varying global logistics strategies within different sectors and industries, and their resulting impact on the global logistics industry. On the other hand, Peter Glatz, Chief Executive Officer, Schenker Middle East, is set to highlight the challenges, potential developments, customer requirements and the success factors for global business developers in the logistics industry in the Middle East.

The two-day event, which was to be originally hosted on 8th and 9th February, 2010, has been postponed to meet the requirements reflected by the growing level of interest in the forum. It will also include three interactive workshops involving various visits to significant infrastructure locations and logistics service providers, as well as provide an ample opportunity for networking with the brains of the industry from the region and from around the world. The forum will bring together global supply chain leaders, logistics managers and the local and international policy makers from the local and global logistics industry. 

Furthermore, speaking about how the Middle East can support and benefit from the success of global companies’ supply chain is Professor Dr. Hans-Christian Pfohl, Technische Universität Darmstadt, and member of the Board of the European Logistics Association. Discussing the impediments of growth in the Middle East will be Frederic Hendrick, Chairman of the Management Board of the French Logistics Association (ASLOG), Alstom. Professor Lauri Ojala, Research and Education Turku School of Economics, Finland, will talk about the methodology of the Logistics Performance index and what the “best” countries do differently.

The forum is supported by the Institute for Vocational Development, a member of the Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group; The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; and German Logistics Association. For more information about the event, please visit www.globallogisticsforum.com.

Amman, Jordan, February 9, 2010: Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, announced today that its Chief Operating Officer Osama Fattaleh has resigned to pursue personal business interests. Iyad Kamal, a veteran of 18 years at Aramex will take over as Chief Operating Officer. Fattaleh will remain with Aramex till the end of April 2010.

“I have reluctantly and sadly accepted Osama’s resignation, but I understand his decision and I stand by him,” said Fadi Ghandour, Founder and CEO, Aramex. “Other than his great contributions to the company and its development over the years, Osama is a friend and a trusted colleague, we will all miss him.”

“After long deliberations and discussions with Fadi, I am sad to be leaving Aramex,” Fattaleh said. “I had a very productive 23 years with the company, and I am proud to have contributed to its growth and development. I leave with great confidence that the company is on solid grounds, having delivered excellent results in 2009 and is set to continue in its path of expansion. I am also very happy to have Iyad Kamal take over as COO, who is a very capable veteran of the company.”

Kamal has been part of the Aramex team since 1991 and has served as Chief Logistics Officer for the past three years. Prior to his latest position, Kamal served the company in numerous capacities including Vice President - Logistics and Ground Services, General Manager Logistics, and Express Product and Quality Manager.

“Iyad comes into this new post with an ideal set of skills and experience, and I have no doubt that he will build on Osama’s achievements” remarked Ghandour.

On his part, Fattaleh remarked that he is looking forward to walking down the path of entrepreneurship, which Aramex has always believed in and advocated for. “For years, we at the company have talked about supporting entrepreneurship. Today, I have decided to walk that talk while utilising all the knowledge I have acquired over the years working with Aramex and in the industry,” Fattaleh said.

• Aramex emerges from fourth quarter with healthy revenues
• Full year profit growth driven by improvement in net profit margins
• Company maintains strong cash position of AED 502 million as of December 31,2009, coupled with very low debt

Fadi Ghandour, Founder and CEO, Aramex

Dubai, January 30, 2010: Aramex (DFM: ARMX), the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2009, and consolidated results for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2009.

Net profits for the fourth quarter of 2009 surged to AED 49.5 million, from AED 38.8 million, a 28% growth from the corresponding period in 2008.

On the revenue side, Aramex was able to weather the financial crisis and emerge at the end of the fourth quarter in a healthy position. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 reached AED 524.8 million, a 5% increase over AED 500.5 million in revenues posted for the same period in 2008. The fourth quarter was the first quarter in 2009 to witness positive revenue growth, marking a bottoming out of the preceding revenue decline.

Aramex continues to maintain a very healthy balance sheet with a cash balance of AED 502 million as of December 31, 2009, coupled with an extremely low debt-to-equity ratio of 1.4%. Aramex’s strong cash position is ideally placed to support the company’s development and expansion plans for 2010. 

Aramex’s fourth quarter results concluded a year marked with impressive performance despite the volatile economic conditions. Even though full year revenues for 2009 dropped by 6% to AED 1,961 million, compared to AED 2,080 million for 2008, the year still witnessed a 25% growth in net profits to reach AED 184.3 million, compared to AED 147.3 million for 2008. This growth was driven by a substantial improvement in net profit margins, which surged from 7.1% in 2008 to 9.4% in 2009, reflecting the adaptability of Aramex’s asset-light business model and its ability to quickly implement cost-control programs.

“Throughout 2009, we were consistent in delivering solid performance while maintaining our employee base and without the need to restructure,” Fadi Ghandour, founder and CEO of Aramex remarked. “Our performance is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work of our people who went out there as a team to reinforce Aramex’s position in the market, negotiate favorable deals with suppliers, innovate new solutions, and create lasting partnerships with our customers.”

Ghandour added: “In 2010, we will continue to broaden our investments and expansion in emerging markets such as those in Africa, Southeast Asia and CIS countries by partnering with strategic local companies, as we did recently in Sri Lanka and Oman. We will also remain focused on strengthening our capabilities in third party logistics services to meet the increasing demand as outsourcing trends continue in our core markets.”

Along with improving its financial and operational performance, Aramex will continue to pursue initiatives that fulfill its sustainability commitments in 2010. These include adopting environmentally-friendly practices in its operations, actively engaging in community development and partnering with institutions to foster an entrepreneurial environment in which youth and SMEs can thrive.

“As a major logistics player in the region, we have a strategic interest in being a facilitator of trade and business, including E-Commerce, especially among SMEs and startups. Leveraging the growth of entrepreneurial entities is intertwined with Aramex’s success,” Ghandour concluded.