Middle East/Africa

How Bad Would It Be Were Political Strife to Close the Suez Canal?

March 22, 2013

All eyes are watching the deteriorating political situation in Egypt. The recent civil riots in Port Said were, arguably, too close for comfort for those dependent on the Suez Canal. Although the arterial trade route is unlikely to close, the possibility cannot be ignored.

BollorÃ© Logistics Looks to Unlock Africa

March 19, 2013

Bloomberg

Bollore SA, an investment company controlled by French billionaire Vincent Bollore, is competing to expand its African unit to operate five more port terminals and is eyeing similar growth in Asia and Latin America.

Aramex Signs Agreement for UAE National Railway

March 19, 2013

Arabian Business

Global logistics giant Aramex has signed an agreement to use the UAE's planned national railway network, its operator Etihad Rail has announced. The signing of the memorandum of understanding comes at a time of rapid growth for the Middle East's transport and logistics market.

Oman Duqm Port Starts Commercial Activities

March 15, 2013

Arabian Supply Chain

Commercial activities have now been started at Oman's Duqm Port, giving it a major boost in achieving its full potential in the coming years. The port in Wusta Governorate has been designed to receive millions of containers and handle general, bulk and liquid cargo, reports the Oman News Agency.

Oil & Gas Logistics Stakeholders to Discuss Improvement of Project Delivery at NOG Logistics in Lagos

March 15, 2013

Kuehne & Nagel Restructures in Effort to Increase Efficiency in Europe

March 12, 2013

Supply Chain Digital

Global logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel have announced the restructuring of their European operations in the first step of a "comprehensive programme for increases in efficiency". In an online statement released on their website, KN explained it will optimize its regional structure beginning July 2013, beginning by merging the current organisational units of central Europe, northwest Europe and southwest Europe into one central region.

South Africa Latest Nation to Show Concern over Meat Supply Chain Findings

March 12, 2013

IOL News

Three of South Africa's biggest supermarket chains have moved to reassure the public that their meats are safe after news that top local researchers had found "fraudulent meat products" across the country.

Iran Increases Port Capacity to 184 Million Tons

March 12, 2013

Tehran Times

The total capacity of Iranian ports has increased by 80 million tons during the past eight years, reaching 184 million tons, IRNA quoted Iranian roads and urban development Minister Ali Nikzad as saying.

China Takes Control of Pakistan Port from Singapore

February 28, 2013

The Times of India

China has assumed control of a strategic Pakistani port on the Arabian Sea, as part of a drive to secure energy and maritime routes that also gives it a potential naval base, sparking Indian concern. The Pakistani cabinet approved the transfer of Gwadar, currently a commercial failure cut off from the national road network, from Singapore's PSA International to the state-owned China company on January 30.

Defence Logistics UAE ~ April in Abu Dhabi

February 26, 2013

Now that the GHQ's Tri-Service Logistics IT system has been acquired for logistics transformation, it is time for implementation and the climate is ripe for 3PL and Logistics IT providers to engage with a market worth US$2Bn over the next five years.

Middle East/Africa

The latest supply chain news, analysis, trends and best practices for companies operating in the Middle East and Africa. The Middle Eastern region consists of 18 countries that stretch from the western borders of Turkey and Egypt to the eastern edges of Iran and Saudi Arabia. Learn how businesses are optimizing supply chain and logistics performance in these regions, addressing a range of challenges such as poor infrastructure, complex customs and tax laws, unstable political climates and government controlled exchange rates - as well as capitalizing on new land and labor opportunities, particularly across Africa.