UAE logistics market to exceed $10b by 15

According to a Frost & Sullivan report UAE’s logistics market is expected to sustain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent to reach $10 billion by 2015 from just $6.35 billion in 2009, The UAE has consistently maintained its status as a key logistics hub in the GCC with the country’s growing import and export volumes. From 2007 to 2011, imports in the UAE sustained a CAGR of 12 per cent, while the export market grew by 33 per cent, or twice the rate of imports, according to Dun & Bradsheet. The re-export market also expanded by 13 per cent during the same period, underlining the critical importance of the country as a strategic trade link to markets in the GCC, Indian Subcontinent, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and African countries. Barloworld Logistics, a leading provider of logistics and supply chain management solutions, recently revealed that it is considering several small acquisitions to further strengthen its expertise and provide clients with smart supply chain solutions. This, as the company’s capabilities are being leveraged by clients to align their supply chain strategy with their business goals to achieve a competitive advantage. Barloworld Logistics further revealed that the GCC region will remain central to its growth initiatives. Barloworld Logistics stressed that rapid market growth and large-scale investments in the UAE’s logistics sector as well as in other GCC states underline the important role of this key industry in realising the economic diversification program being adopted by different countries in the region. Barloworld Logistics currently offers the full breadth of logistics services and specialized competencies, delivering strategic support to clients in the UAE and across the GCC. Frank Courtney, Barloworld Logistics CEO for EMEA region, said: “Supply chain management plays a crucial role in the sustained economic growth of the UAE, as an increasing number of investors are taking advantage of the country’s advanced logistics infrastructure and strategic location. Key international players are therefore keenly monitoring the UAE’s capability to handle future demand and ultimately ensure the safe and efficient flow of goods in and out of the country.” We are also witnessing similar developments happening in other GCC countries, which are likewise taking advantage of the region’s strategic location to serve as a major logistics hub. In this regard, Barloworld Logistics is strongly positioned to support the continuing drive to bolster the status of the UAE and the rest of the GCC to serve key players in the global logistics industry, capitalising on our experience and expanding international presence in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Far East,” Courtney added. “The supply chain and logistics sector now accounts for a significant percentage of the UAE’s GDP, which is a strong indication of the possibilities and long-term growth opportunities emerging in this sector. Barloworld Logistics’ strategic investments in recent years have certainly given us a strong head start as we enter a new era of growth and development in the supply chain and logistics sector,” added Courtney. Over 70 per cent of potential savings and service enhancements in a supply chain come from the re-engineering and integration of logistics processes. Only small savings can be extracted by “pushing” suppliers harder. The logistics division was established in 2001 and is now South Africa’s leading integrated logistics player. Barloworld Logistics creates strategic advantage for their clients by optimising and integrating the client’s logistics processes and information flows, thereby radically reducing their costs and increasing their service levels. The company now has 2000 staff across 60 offices. The integrated logistics solution offerings include supply chain consulting and design, inventory management solutions, transportation management services, warehousing and distribution design and management, freight forwarding and clearing and supply chain software and planning. From Gulftoday