Centers help global, regional, local brands manage online orders and delivery across GCC
DUBAI – February 3 , 2021 – Shipa, the digital logistics and e-commerce arm of Agility, announced that is has opened two state-of-the-art e-commerce fulfillment centers in Dubai to manage online purchases and deliver to customers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.
The centers, in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai Investment Park, will help global, regional and local brands scale quickly to capitalize on the explosive growth in e-commerce and online sales across the GCC.
Shipa’s 60,000 SQM fulfillment center in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and a second 20,000 SQM facility in Dubai Investment Park feature a combined 2,000 pallet positions and 10,000 bin locations. Both leverage the operational expertise and technology of Agility, a leading global logistics provider.
The centers offer bonded and non-bonded storage; inbound air and ocean stock replenishment; pick-and-pack services; customer technology integration and APIs; local and international returns services; and integration with cross-border and last-mile transportation vendors.
Shipa’s value-added services include e-fulfillment solutions scalable for all GCC markets, including access to more than 1.2 million SQM of GCC warehousing, customs brokerage, express bonded road services, and delivery options that include COD, pre-paid and payment-at-door. Shipa Delivery, Shipa’s last-mile delivery network, provides last-mile services in GCC markets.
Both facilities offer racked and bulk storage and use leading warehouse management systems. In addition, both adhere to rigorous Quality Health Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) standards and offer temperature-controlled storage, including frozen and refrigerated storage. The JAFZA facility offers bonded and duty-paid facilities to serve retailers with regional logistics requirements.
Globally and in the Middle East, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated growth in online sales and the shift from in-person purchases to digital commerce. Even before the pandemic, e-commerce and digital sales were growing at 21% a year in the GCC, where annual retail spending is estimated at $230 billion a year, according to global consulting firm Consultport.
Jeremy M. Skyrme, Chief Growth Officer for Shipa, said: “The brands that get the customer experience right in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and across the GCC will be the ones that succeed. Shipa’s world-class fulfillment centers give them services and solutions that ensure a fast, efficient, mistake-free flow of goods from first mile to last mile — the keys to guaranteeing customer satisfaction and repeat business.”
Shipa launched its fulfillment centers to meet the surge in demand brought about by the dramatic acceleration in e-commerce and online transactions. The need for efficiency and improved per unit productivity are important requirements for companies looking to trusted partners as they outsource fulfillment.
Hassan Mikail, Middle East CEO of Shipa Ecommerce said: “Shipa is widening their service offering to meet changing market dynamics. We are delighted that Shipa is leveraging the full scope of the Agility JAFZA and DIP capabilities to further support global and local businesses.”
Blank-check company will acquire, invest in sustainable businesses
KUWAIT – January 31, 2021 – Agility, a leading global logistics provider, announced that it has invested $35 million in Queen’s Gambit Growth Capital, a blank-check company that will target businesses offering sustainable solutions in clean energy, healthcare, financial technology, industrials, mobility and emerging technology.
Queen’s Gambit’s all-female management team is led by CEO Victoria Grace, a New York-based venture capitalist and Founding Partner of Colle Capital. The special purpose acquisition company is supported by an all-female Board with diverse industry experience.
Queen’s Gambit’s female-led management team “has the potential to tap into a differentiated network,” Tarek Sultan, Vice-Chairman of Agility said. “This is a chance to take a more inclusive view of opportunities in the market, and drive value in the process.”
Agility has a long-standing partnership with Colle Capital, having invested in multiple companies together. “Agility brings unique capabilities to the table, including our emerging market leadership, roster of 60,000 business customers, strategic partnerships, and experience of our Ventures team,” Sultan said.
Agility’s investment in Queen’s Gambit reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and belief that innovative technology can yield both social and economic returns. “This is not a new position for us. We’ve been practicing stakeholder capitalism for more than a decade,” Sultan said. “Sustainable technology is one of our core investment pillars.”
Agility has been intensifying its long-standing commitment to the environment, sustainability and improved governance. It was recently added to the FTSE4Good Index Series, a resource used by investors to identify companies around the world with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
Sub-group analysis shows three-day earlier discharge from hospital in low-risk patients hospitalized with COVID-19
KUWAIT – January 27, 2021
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY along with its subsidiaries together referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”) and Global Response Aid FZCO (GRA) today announced results from an Avigan study on moderate-severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Kuwait.
A sub-group analysis of the low-risk (low NEWS Score at admission) study cohort (n=181) demonstrated a 3 day earlier discharge in Avigan group compared to placebo group (8 days vs 11 days; p=0.0063) for time to hospital discharge secondary endpoint. This endpoint was predefined and showed statistical significance in a large portion of subjects in this study. Time to hospital discharge is the best endpoint to determine if Avigan has a pragmatic effect on patients’ duration of hospitalization, a factor that is relevant to global shortages in clinical resources and hospital beds induced by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The findings point favorably towards the hypothesis that an antiviral drug like Avigan (or similar oral or injectable RNA polymerases inhibitor) may be effective as part of early treatment initiation in COVID 19 patients.
As a result of the favorable sub-group data, which are supported by similar results in Japan-based clinical trials and real-word studies, Dr.Reddy’s and Global Response Aid have agreed to expedite ongoing Phase 3 pivotal studies aimed at determining the efficacy of Avigan as an early treatment for COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms. Additional studies to evaluate the efficacy of Avigan as part of early treatment in COVID 19 patients have also been initiated, with the goal of alleviating symptoms and preventing disease progression before the infection requires hospitalization or other intensive interventions.
Other findings from the study of hospitalized patients with moderate-severe COVID 19 patients showed a one-day reduction in time to sustained hypoxia resolution for Avigan vs. placebo. Resolution occurred in seven days vs. eight days. However, the study did not achieve statistical significance thresholds, and was terminated. The full final data analysis of the 353 subjects who were part of the study of hospitalized patients will be available by end of February 2021.
The study of hospitalized patients was part of an overall clinical program for Avigan in Kuwait, which covered a spectrum of COVID-19 cases ranging from asymptomatic to severe, in both outpatient and in-patient settings.
The unprecedented magnitude of the pandemic requires innovative and bold collective action from multinational organizations, governments and industries for inclusive and efficient distribution of safe vaccines. With lives and livelihoods of millions across the globe depending on multiple stakeholders harnessing the power of collective action – whether in the field of health delivery, goods delivery or humanitarian service delivery, the logistics sector and UNICEF will play a central role in vaccine distribution.
Recognizing this need, 18 shipping, airlines and logistics industry CEOs, the Executive Director of UNICEF, and the President of the World Economic Forum, have signed a charter supporting UNICEF and COVAX countries in four main ways:
- Engage with governments, customs authorities, UNICEF and other UN Agencies, and NGOs
- Participate in operational asset and competency sharing
- Assign expertise to support governments, where requested by UNICEF
- Support UNICEF’s Global Vaccine Logistics Distribution, for COVID-19, with prioritization and solutions for international and in country distribution of vaccines and related supplies on behalf of the COVAX facility
Donation will support the education of 560,000+ students
KUWAIT – December 21, 2020 – Agility, a leading global logistics provider, and Aflatoun International, an NGO specializing in life skills and financial education around the world, announced a partnership that will increase educational opportunities for more than 560,000 students, with at least half of the opportunities created for female students.
Agility’s support will fund the development and translation of Aflatoun’s “AflaYouth” financial literacy and entrepreneurship curriculum into Arabic, French and Spanish. “AflaYouth”gives students, aged 16-24, access to both online and in-person training, support, mentoring and learning during their transition into the formal labor market, or as they launch an entrepreneurial career. Aflatoun will also develop teachers’ training manuals for the curriculum.
“AflaYouth” will be provided to Aflatoun’s network of 45 NGOs in 25 countries in the Middle East, North and West Africa, and Central and South America. Trainings on the curriculum will be provided to NGO partners and local educators, who in turn educate underprivileged youth in the communities where they operate. Trainings will take place both in-person and online, giving Aflatoun the flexibility to reach partners around the world.
Frank Clary, Agility’s Vice President for Sustainability, said: “Agility’s support means that Aflatoun’s partner NGOs will be able to implement educational programming for refugees and underprivileged local populations in a context and language that’s relevant to them. Since 2014, Agility has supported the education of 68,000 students around the world and this partnership with Aflatoun gives even more students the opportunity to have an education. Aflatoun empowers local communities to create development opportunities through education.”
Roeland Monasch, CEO of Afltaoun International, said: “The skills taught in this program are especially relevant in this time of economic uncertainties. One of the strengths of our programs is that they can be contextualized to local needs and circumstances. Therefore, it has become even more relevant that our AflaYouth Books will be translated into other languages. Thus, we can deliver our-quality curricula to more young people across different regions of the world. We hope that this project is a great start of a long-term partnership with such a successful company as Agility.”
Agility has a globally recognized sustainability program, covering humanitarian logistics, community volunteerism, fair labor and environmental sustainability. Agility is part of the FTSE4Good Index Series, a resource used by investors to identify companies around the world with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. Agility is also ranked in the top 10% of all companies and the top 4% of the logistics industry for overall sustainability performance by EcoVadis. Since 2006, Agility has completed more than 1,800 community education, health or environment projects affecting more than one million people in 80 countries.
- Agility, Aramex, Hellmann and Kuehne + Nagel among early freight forwarder partners onboarded to deliver billions of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses by end of 2021
- The four companies involved in the Hope Consortium cover 80% of the world’s countries and transported over four million tons of air freight cargo globally last year
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 14 December 2020: The newly-launched Hope Consortium, a UAE-based public-private partnership, has bolstered its distribution reach following a strategic agreement with leading international freight forwarders. The latest consortium partners, which include Agility, Aramex, Hellmann and Kuehne + Nagel, will help address the different steps of the logistical challenge, including ‘last mile’, with a capacity of billions of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses by the end of 2021.
Spearheaded by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Hope Consortium appointed these global transport companies based on their expert abilities and reach to safely and effectively deliver vaccine doses under cold and ultra-cold conditions (temperature bands 2-8° C, -20° C and -80° C) between transportation hubs, warehouses, medical facilities and other final destinations in over 170 countries.
Representing the top global and Abu Dhabi supply chain solution players, the Hope Consortium consists of Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi Ports, Rafed – the healthcare purchasing arm of Abu Dhabi-based ADQ and Switzerland’s award-winning SkyCell, which develops next-generation, temperature-controlled logistics containers for the pharmaceutical industry.
H.E. Dr. Jamal Mohammed Alkaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Hope Consortium’s success relies upon the collaboration of public sector entities and leading private sector companies across the global logistics supply chain. The addition of Agility, Aramex, Hellmann and Kuehne + Nagel provides solid support and expertise to address multiple challenges, including the ‘last mile’ vaccine distribution challenge. This partnership demonstrates the unrivalled global strength of Hope Consortium.”
“The Abu Dhabi-backed Hope Consortium has quickly and effectively garnered the attention and support of the world’s leading logistics players. Today’s announcement is testament to the sector’s ambition to overcome the complex challenges inherent in transporting sensitive cargo of such scale across varying geographies around the world.”
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group, added: “The inclusion of leading freight forwarders will further strengthen the Hope Consortium proposition and elevate our global capabilities. Etihad Cargo’s strong existing partnerships with these entities, coupled with our experience in the shipment of temperature-sensitive cargo, will streamline our approach and add further confidence to a visionary collaboration. We are proud to be one of the first airlines to embark on a project of this scale.”
Agility is a global logistics company with operations in more than 100 countries. It is one of the world’s top freight forwarding and contract logistics providers, and a leader and investor in technology to enhance supply chain efficiency. Agility is a market-leader in emerging markets and one of the largest private owners and developers of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with more than 3 million square metres of warehousing and light industrial-facilities.
H.E. Khadim Al Darei, Chairman of Agility Abu Dhabi, said: “As a strategic partner, Agility Abu Dhabi is committed to help drive Abu Dhabi’s growth vision. During the early months of COVID-19, Agility supported projects related to food security and medical equipment supply chain. Through the Hope Consortium, we look forward to utilizing our global logistics footprint and warehousing network to make a difference on a global scale.”
Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman, said: “SARS-CoV2 vaccine logistics will demand specialized handling expertise for pharma, cold-chain infrastructure and storage, an emerging markets footprint and the digital capabilities to manage advanced tracking and visibility – all areas Agility has made long-term investments in. Agility is honoured to be a global contributor to the Hope Consortium and eager to help tackle one of the great logistics challenges of our time.”
Aramex is a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions. The Company’s breadth of services, including International and Domestic Express Delivery, Freight-forwarding, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, positions it as an important player offering innovative and technology-enabled logistics solutions for the healthcare sector.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Chairman of Aramex, expressed hisdeep appreciation for the efforts exerted by the wise leadership in combating the pandemic and utilising Abu Dhabi’s leading position as a trade and logistics hub to best serve humanity. He said, “Aramex is proud to be a trusted partner playing a leading role in the worldwide distribution of vital SARS-CoV2 vaccines. Our global operating network across over 65 countries, expertise in providing logistics and transportation solution across the value chain – from laboratories to healthcare facility – and our state-of-the-art facilities – from warehouse to van fleets – puts us in a very strong position to be a reliable partner in the Hope Consortium. Our part of the promise is to help deliver a portion of the billions of vaccine doses to their target populations on-time and in accordance with the world’s most stringent health and safety standards.”
Bashar Obeid, CEO of Aramex, said: “We are privileged to be supporting health authorities in the global fight against COVID-19. Aramex has the operational capabilities and expertise underpinned by technology-enabled infrastructure and skilled manpower to carry out this immense and crucial endeavour in an efficient and timely manner. Additionally, we have been investing to ramp up our last mile infrastructure to include temperature-controlled warehouses and vehicles to ensure safe handling of pharmaceuticals including vaccines. We are fully committed to this partnership and we look forward to working alongside our partners and contributing collectively to achieving the UAE’s aim to responsibly supply the vaccine globally.”
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, headquartered in Germany, has a global network of around 500 branches in more than 173 countries. The full-service logistics provider has a 150-year history specializing in supply chain solutions for key industries, of which Healthcare Logistics is one of its leading vertical solutions.
Reiner Heiken, Chief Executive Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, said: “The pharma and healthcare industry has never been more important than it is today. To ensure that vital products such as vaccines and other life-saving pharmaceutical products are handled with the highest integrity and safety, we have globally established Hellmann Healthcare Logistics. People, processes, infrastructure and digitalization are the foundation of our healthcare network and enable us to offer compliant, transparent and innovative transportation and distribution solutions. Combining a risk-based approach and integration of secured digital solutions into supply chains, Hellmann offers qualified end-to-end transport with capabilities of real-time and proactive intervention.”
He added: “In the Middle East, Hellmann Healthcare Logistics gained a leadership position by operating a proven-and-tested hub concept for more than a decade, using UAE healthcare warehouses as distribution platforms for the region. Our specialized regional and global experience will be complimentary to the strength of the Hope Consortium partners. Together we stand ready to support the UAE and Abu Dhabi Governments in leading efforts for the global distribution of the SARS-CoV2 vaccines.”
With over 78,000 employees at 1,400 locations in over 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics companies. In 2019, the company moved 4.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by sea freight, 1.6 million tons by air freight, operated 32,500 truck departures a day in Europe and managed 11.4 million square metres of logistics and warehousing space.
Robert Coyle, Senior Vice President, Pharma & Healthcare Strategy, at Kuehne+Nagel, noted: “As one of the global leaders in Pharma & Healthcare logistics, Kuehne+Nagel have the capacity, the ability and responsibility to facilitate the global distribution of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and supporting materials with global stakeholders. By joining Hope Consortium, we bring in the Kuehne+Nagel CEIV accredited global network of cool facilities, long-standing experience of large vaccine shipments and dedicated Pharma and Healthcare specialists that will ensure fast, safe and secure transportation. We will leverage our unique strengths in the vaccine supply chain and facilitate vaccine availability across the world. We will make it happen.”
This signing will be the first of many to come to ensure that no location is too far and no logistical challenge too difficult for the safe and effective delivery of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses. Between them, the four companies involved in the Hope Consortium cover 80% of the world’s countries and transported over four million tons of air freight cargo globally last year.
Awarded 2020 Best Supplier for Cross Trading & Vehicle Transport
MILAN, Italy – Agility, a leading global logistics provider, was awarded Best Supplier for Cross Trading & Vehicle Transport by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
The award, received during a virtual ceremony on December 14, 2020, was given to Agility for its work with the automobile manufacturer since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first two waves of the pandemic in Italy, Agility provided FCA with customized solutions, including alternative storage, rail freight options and emergency trucking.
Mohammed Esa, Senior Vice President, Business Development, from Agility said: “Working with customers to find custom solutions to challenges is a strength of Agility’s. The onset of COVID-19 required everyone to become even more flexible and agile to keep cargo moving. We are grateful to FCA for the recognition brought by this award.”
Agility Italy is a full-service logistics provider specializing in consolidation services and connections for international and European destinations, offering freight forwarding, contract logistics and supply chain solutions.
ABIDJAN, Cote D’Ivoire – Dec. 9, 2020 – Maersk has chosen the new Agility warehouse project in Abidjan to house its new storage, deconsolidation and distribution facility in the economic capital of Cote D’Ivoire.
The newly opened 5,000 SQM facility is designed to handle 3,900 pallet positions and meet the end-to-end requirements of Maersk’s global customers, including those in Retail, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, and Technology.
Thomas Theeuwes, Maersk Central West Africa Managing Director, said: “Maersk has a strong presence in the West Africa market, and we are continuously reviewing our value proposition to ensure we offer competitive end-to-end solutions. The Agility warehouses provide the standard of infrastructure that enables Maersk to offer a consistent experience for both global and local customers, assuring them the same reliable service, security and safety being provided in this facility is on a par with what customers experience in Maersk facilities within Europe and North America.”
The Agility warehouses are located on the main highway from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro, which leads to neighboring Mali and is strategically situated adjacent to the new PK24 industrial zone of Abidjan.
Agility is funding and developing 250,000 SQM of warehousing on the site in what will become a center of excellence for warehousing in the region to support businesses operating in and from Cote D’Ivoire. The Agility warehouses provide the essential infrastructure required for both multinational companies and local businesses in the storage, distribution, packaging, processing and light manufacturing sectors.
Geoffrey White, CEO Agility Africa, said: “We are delighted that Maersk decided to lease warehouse space in the new Agility facility in Abidjan. Agility is funding and developing a network of warehouse parks across Africa to enable companies to rapidly and easily enter or expand in the African market.
Agility provides warehouses that are move-in ready, enabling fast deployment, flexibility and reduced capital commitments for our customers. The provision of secure, ready-built, quality, warehouses with consistent power and IT connectivity in the Abidjan market is a true enabler of growth and prosperity in Cote D’Ivoire.”