Part of the fourth season of Kuwait’s Youth Public Authority’s Program

Kuwait – 5 March 2024– Agility Logistics Parks (ALP), a leading owner and developer of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, joined Engineering Systems Group (ESG) to provide intensive facility management training for over 35 Kuwaiti youth and university graduates for the second year-in-a-row.

The intensive training program by ALP and ESG ran from November 5 to December 7 2023, and was a critical part of a greater capacity building program by Kuwait’s Youth Public Authority.

ALP and ESG partnered to provide training on industrial zones, real estate management, facility management, contract management and other essential skills.

The program also featured on-site sessions at ALP’s industrial and warehousing facilities, offering participants an opportunity to observe and assess ALP’s operations. All trainees were mandated to attend the program’s lectures and workshops and pass a final exam to earn their facility management certification.

Nader Sakeen, CEO ALP Kuwait and Gulf, said: “Nothing pleases us more at Agility than supporting Kuwaiti youth, especially equipping them for successful careers in the private sector. We are delighted to collaborate for the second time with the Public Authority for Youth and our colleagues at Engineering Systems Group. As the leading owner and developer of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Agility always welcomes such opportunities. Our doors are always open to support all our youth.”

Ahmed B. Al-Eisa Chairman and CEO of ESG, said: “Drawing from our experience at Engineering Systems Group, and guided by our mission to implement an integrated approach to project development and management, we recognize the importance of training and qualification in facility management, security, safety, and environment as a fundamental part of any successful project. We are pleased to collaborate with Agility and the Public Authority for Youth to train and qualify our national workforce, enhancing their practical skills and serving the aspirations of both public and private sectors by fostering a new generation of competitive Kuwaiti youth.”

The industry program is designed to expose the youth and graduates to various professional sectors.

Majority plan Africa expansion despite guarded outlook on emerging markets

DUBAI – Feb. 6, 2024 – Global logistics executives, still worried about recession, say they are battling higher costs, reducing dependence on sourcing from China, and planning to boost investment in Africa despite seeing emerging markets investment overall as somewhat riskier.

Half of the 830 industry professionals surveyed for the 2024 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index expect a global recession in the coming year – down from nearly 70% a year ago.

More than 63% of respondents say their companies continue overhauling supply chains by spreading production to multiple locations or relocating it to home markets and nearby countries. China, the world’s leading producer, stands to be most affected: 37.4% of industry professionals say they plan move production/sourcing out of China or reduce investment there.

“Shippers and carriers are struggling to minimize supply chain risk and find new growth opportunities. Inflation and recession risks have eased, but the industry is still living with the aftershocks of the COVID pandemic. At the same time, businesses are worried about geopolitics — troubled trade relations between China and the U.S. and Europe, and the thicket of sanctions against a growing number of countries,” says Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan.

The survey and Index are Agility’s 15^th annual snapshot of industry sentiment and ranking of the world’s 50 leading emerging markets. The Index ranks countries for overall competitiveness based on their logistics strengths, business climates and digital readiness — factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, air and ocean carriers, distributors and investors.

Shipping and logistics costs that soared during the COVID pandemic and its aftermath are still climbing but at a slower rate, the survey found. One way shippers expect to cope is by increasing use of digital freight forwarding from 37.8% today to 52% in five years.

Meantime, the industry is gearing up for a surge in Africa investment. Nearly 62% of professionals say their companies are planning additional or first-time investments in Africa vs. only about 7% exiting or scaling back there.

China and India, the world’s two largest countries, held their spots at No. 1 and 2 in the overall rankings. UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Vietnam, Mexico, and Thailand  rounded out the top 10. No. 24 South Africa and 25 Kenya were highest among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Three of the four countries offering the best emerging markets business conditions are situated in the Arabian Gulf: UAE (1), Saudi Arabia (3) and Qatar (4). Malaysia (2) and Jordan (5) both moved up in the business fundamentals rankings.

China and India were tops for domestic and international logistics. In digital readiness, China jumped three spots to No. 1, followed by UAE, Malaysia and Qatar. India fell from the top spot a year ago to No. 5 this year.

Outside of the top 10, many of the biggest swings in year-to-year rankings involved countries experiencing conflict, facing international economic sanctions, or suffering from chronic economic instability. Among them: Ukraine, Russia, Iran, Ethiopia, Argentina, Lebanon, Tunisia.

2024 Index Highlights

Survey

• Supply chain restructuring – India, Europe and North America rank ahead of China as destinations executives expect to move production to in 2024 and onwards.
• China – 40% expect their businesses to be less reliant on China in five years. Leading factors in decisions to de-risk in China: difficulty of doing business; U.S.-China trade friction; a slowing economy; the harshness of China’s COVID restrictions.
• Climate change – 66% say climate change is something they’re planning for, or already affecting their businesses.
• Emerging markets – the largest percentage sees increased risk/decreased rewards in emerging markets.
• India – many see India growing in importance as a producer and market, but cite inadequate infrastructure and corruption as the biggest obstacles there.

Country Rankings

• In the Middle East and North Africa, overall rankings were: UAE (3); Saudi Arabia (6); Qatar (7); Turkey (11); Oman (15); Bahrain (16); Jordan (17); Egypt (20); Kuwait (21); Morocco (22); Tunisia (37); Lebanon (38); Iran (40); Algeria (42); Libya (50).
• Rankings in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa (24); Kenya (25); Ghana (31); Nigeria (36); Tanzania (41); Uganda (43); Ethiopia (45); Mozambique (46); Angola (47).
• Index rankings in Asia: China (1); India (2); Malaysia (4); Indonesia (5); Vietnam (8); Thailand (10); Philippines (18); Kazakhstan (23); Sri Lanka (26); Pakistan (29); Cambodia (32); Bangladesh (33); Myanmar (49).
• Rankings for Latin America: Mexico (9); Chile (12); Brazil (14); Uruguay (19); Peru (28); Colombia (27); Argentina (30); Ecuador (35); Paraguay (39); Bolivia (44); Venezuela (48).
• In Europe: Russia (13); Ukraine (34).

Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, has compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009.

John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: “Supply chain managers are still coming to terms with the political and economic instability characterising the post-COVID global economy. Geopolitical relationships are changing rapidly, and this is having a major impact on international trade and risk profiles. Businesses need to be alive to the opportunities and threats that exist in emerging markets and use data, such as that the Agility Emerging Market Logistics Index, to inform agile decision-making.”

2024 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index: agility.com/2024index

KONTINUE aims to spark the entrepreneurial spirit in young people

KUWAIT – Feb. 4, 2024 – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, announced today’s its sponsorship of LOYAC’s KONTINUE youth entrepreneurship program, which aims to guide aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them conceptualize, refine, fund and monetize their ideas.

LOYAC is a non-profit organization established in Kuwait in 2002 with the goal of helping young people develop into creative leaders who are able to make a positive impact in society. This is the second year Agility has sponsored KONTINUE.

KONTINUE is an expert-led, six-week program developed in collaboration with Babson College, a U.S. institution of higher learning that specializes in entrepreneurial leadership. The KONTINUE program provides ambitious entrepreneurs and small business owners with the opportunity to learn, implement foundational entrepreneurial skills, and build the professional networks they need to start or grow a business.

“Agility has a long-standing commitment to education, capacity-building, and knowledge transfer programs that equip young people with skills they need to succeed and lead. LOYAC’s focus on  entrepreneurship echoes our own emphasis on it within Agility. We believe in KONTINUE’s power to inspire young people and transform economies, and we are committed to cultivating the same spirit and promoting it in our business and communities. KONTINUE’s success, inspirational nature, inclusivity, and alignment with our organizational values make it ideal for our support,” Agility Chairperson Henadi Al Saleh said.

Agility backs community-enabling initiatives and has partnerships in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Côte D’Ivoire, Ghana, India and Egypt, among other countries. In the last decade, Agility has reached more than 1 million people in need, providing funding for youth education, entrepreneurship, employment and digital training, and responding with resources in the aftermath of natural disasters and complex humanitarian emergencies.

3 February 2024, London: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading logistics company, Eurus Express. Together, they will explore the opportunities to create a joint venture (JV) that will support future business growth and cultivate sustainable progress in Hainan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Eurus Express, a leading integrated logistics solution provider, offers highly customized supply chain solutions to their partners through a global network of 58 locations in 17 countries.

As part of this opportunity, the proposed JV would see Menzies Aviation and Eurus Express work together to provide best-in-class cargo and logistics services in China. Hainan’s free trade port status means that it is a growth priority for the JV, with both companies determined to play a key role in helping the province become an international logistics and aviation leader.

Hassan El-Houry, Executive Chairman, Menzies Aviation, said: “The signing of this MoU is further evidence of Menzies’ commitment to growth in the wider Asia-Pacific region. We are entering a new chapter for the business, and we’re immensely excited for what lies ahead. Eurus Express is one of the leading logistics companies in China, and forging new strategic partnerships like this, creates countless opportunities across a commercially important region. We look forward to working with Eurus as we explore collaborative opportunities to provide safe, secure and reliable cargo and logistics services to new and existing customers across the region.”

Philipp Joeinig, Group CEO, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Jackie Mung, CEO of Eurus Express, and his team, whose outlook and ambition is strategically aligned with our own vision. The creation of this JV presents a valuable opportunity for us to accelerate business growth in China and beyond to deliver best in class aviation services across the region. We are looking forward to working with Eurus Express to deliver market leading, high quality aviation services in Hainan and beyond.”

Jackie Mung, CEO, Eurus Express, said: “Our vision is to empower our people, partners, and communities in Hainan to thrive, as this market transforms at breakneck speed. The future of progress relies on imagination and vision to see beyond today. By combining vast local insight and global best practices, together we can facilitate pioneering solutions for sustainable growth.”

Course trains refugees and other young jobseekers to use AI tools  

CAIRO – February 1, 2024 – Agility, a global leader in supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation, announced a partnership with Education for Employment (EFE) that will offer training in use of artificial intelligence to 3,500 young people in Egypt.

The training is intended to familiarize young men and women from underserved populations in Egypt with artificial intelligence concepts, tools and ethical considerations. It is designed to give them a competitive edge in the job market by teaching them to harness the power of transformative AI technology.

Underemployment or lack of entrepreneurial opportunities inhibit economic and social development. EFE’s skills development programs provide young people with opportunities to gain employment or start their own businesses.  These lead to greater prosperity, stability and social and economic development.

Frank Clary, Agility VP of Sustainability, said the company is supporting EFE’s free employment and job skills training so that attendees can better understand how to use AI for job searches and tasks they may need to perform in the course and scope of employment or business management.

“AI literacy is quickly becoming a priority area for recruiters. EFE and Agility are committed to making training available to young people who would otherwise not have access to it. Our shared goal is to create a future-ready workforce for Egypt and the broader Middle East because employment and entrepreneurial skills enable development, prosperity and stability,” Clary said.

Andrew Baird, EFE-Global CEO, said: “EFE targets young people from underserved populations who are unemployed and having difficulty getting jobs. This training plays an important role in bridging the gaps in formal education and development of social capital.”

EFE training participants undergo a selection process and are accepted into programs based on motivation and socio-economic background. Priority is given to those most in need. Of the 3,500 individuals taking part in the Agility-sponsored AI course in Egypt, at least half are young women. EFE’s AI curriculum includes basic concepts of AI, its applicability at work, ethical considerations, responsible use of online information, and use of AI tools in job searches.

In Egypt, Agility has also partnered with UNHCR to fund education for refugee children. Agility has been working with UNHCR since 2016. Its partnership with UNHCR in Egypt has paid for tuition, transportation, uniforms, books, stationery and devices such as computers for roughly 1,800 school-age children.

Egypt currently hosts about 473,000 registered refugees and asylum-seekers from 62 nationalities, most from Syria, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Yemen, Somalia and Iraq.

25 January 2024 – Menzies Aviation (“Menzies”), the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, and an Agility company, today announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in Jardine Aviation Services Group (“JASG”) from Jardine Matheson – a diversified Asia-focused conglomerate. This partnership is a joint venture with China National Aviation Corporation (“CNAC”).

JASG, a leading ground handling services company, has been operating at Hong Kong International Airport since 1946, and has been a key contributor to Hong Kong’s growth as a global aviation hub.

The strategic acquisition highlights Menzies’ long-term investment in the region where it will support the rebound in Hong Kong’s aviation sector and bolster its presence in Asia.

Upon completion, Jardine Airport Services Limited will be rebranded as Menzies CNAC Aviation Services Limited, becoming part of the world’s largest aviation services company with operations at over 255 locations in more than 60 markets, on six continents. Menzies recognises the strength and experience of the JASG team and will be looking to further support staff development as the company builds its presence in Hong Kong and expands across the region.

Menzies has long-standing relationships as a trusted partner across the region. The new Joint Venture with CNAC strengthens an existing partnership between Menzies and CNAC at Macau International Airport (MFM), where it has been the ground handler of choice since 1994. It also has operations at three airports in Indonesia and, more recently, entered Malaysia.

Vivien Lau, CEO, JASG, said, “We see tremendous potential for our employees under Menzies’ stewardship. In addition to strengthening its position within the global aviation sector, the integration offers expanded career prospects and training and development opportunities for our employees.”

Hassan El Houry, Chairman – Menzies Aviation, said, “We are excited to enhance our presence in Asia as we look to capture the exciting opportunities in this fast-growing aviation market. The integration enables us to broaden our footprint in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and China as we build a collaborative relationship with CNAC, fostering mutual growth and success. Together, we will provide unparalleled aviation services to our customers, ensuring our continued commitment to safety, security and excellence. We look forward to welcoming JASG employees to Menzies, their experience will be invaluable as we support the growth and expansion of Hong Kong’s aviation sector.”

The transfer of ownership has been agreed to by China National Aviation Corporation (Group) Limited, which will remain a co-owner of the business alongside Menzies. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Commit to combating climate change, cutting emissions by 2030, outlining net-zero roadmaps

Kuwait – 26 December 2023 – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, affirmed its commitment to combating climate change as a signatory to the World Economic Forum’s joint communique on achieving a net-zero future for the Middle East.

Agility is one of 14 leading companies from the Middle East and North Africa that signed the communique. The companies, members of the World Economic Forum’s Leaders for a Sustainable Middle East and North Africa initiative, pledged to: 1) Drive their organizations to net zero; 2) Deliver near-term emission reductions, 3) Enable greener growth; 4) Build awareness and capability, especially among consumers and supply chain participants; 5) Collaborate with the public sector to create an enabling ecosystem.

“Representing 7% of MENA’s current emissions, this coalition of top business leaders are going beyond pledges and are stepping up with concrete actions to reduce emissions and mobilize the ecosystem towards a net-zero future. This is not only about combating climate change, but about seizing the opportunity to drive a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for the region,” said Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum.

Agility has taken a group-wide approach in its sustainability efforts. All Agility group companies pursue ESG strategies tailored to their industry contexts. Menzies Aviation and Tristar, Agility’s two largest subsidiaries, are responsible for the majority of Agility’s overall emissions and have each established net-zero goals. Menzies aims for net zero by 2045; Tristar’s target is 2050. In the short term, Menzies plans to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 20% by 2030, aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) corporate Net Zero standard. Meanwhile, Tristar has set annual operational energy consumption intensity and CO2 emissions reduction goals of 30,000 tons/year which is approximately around 35% of its total emissions under Scope 1 & 2. Tristar aims to contribute to climate actions through using zero emission fuels in 5% of its deep-sea shipping by 2030. This will be in line with achieving the IMO Initial GHG strategy objective of 40% reduction of CO2 emissions per transport work compared to 2008, by 2030. Tristar is also one of the first signatories to ‘Forward Faster’, a UN Global Compact initiative guiding companies on where they can make their biggest and fastest impact for 2030.

Agility Logistics Parks (ALP), another Agility subsidiary, is pioneering the use of sustainable materials and designs across the MENA region. ALP’s warehousing complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the company’s warehousing complex in Cote d’Ivoire earned the first EDGE Advanced Certifications ever awarded in MENA and West Africa, respectively. This certification, an IFC-backed standard, recognizes buildings that are at least 40% more energy-efficient than the market. Agility was recently named the No. 3 sustainability leader in MENA’s Transport & Logistics sector by Forbes as part of its Middle East Sustainability 100 list.

Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman, said: “Sustainability is a central focus for Agility, and we seek collaboration with partners who share our vision. Joining WEF’s initiatives for climate change in the MENA region is a reflection of that commitment, and our on-ground sustainability efforts are a testament to our resolve. We believe collaboration like this is critical if the region is to cut emissions and reach net zero.”

The signatories,

1. Tarek Sultan, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman, Agility (Kuwait)
2. Marco Arcelli, Chief Executive Officer, ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia)
3. Majid Jafar, Chief Executive Officer, Crescent Petroleum (United Arab Emirates)
4. Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer, e& (United Arab Emirates)
5. Shayne Nelson, Group Chief Executive Officer, Emirates NDB (United Arab Emirates)
6. Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank (United Arab Emirates)
7. Abdulaziz Al-Helaissi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Gulf International Bank (Bahrain)
8. Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman, Investcorp (Bahrain)
9. Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding (United Arab Emirates)
10. Helmut von Struve, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens UAE & Middle East (United Arab Emirates)
11. Jasim Husain Ahmed Thabet, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) (United Arab Emirates)
12. Lina Noureddin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lamar Holding (Bahrain)
13. Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, Group Chief Executive, Oman Global Logistics Group (ASYAD) (Oman)

Khalil Yassine, Head, Unilever Arabia (United Arab Emirates)

Supply chain leader recognized for pioneering green buildings, transport, fuels and investment

DUBAI – NOV. 13, 2023 – Forbes Middle East has named Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, as one of the region’s top leaders in sustainability, recognizing the company’s drive in green warehousing, clean energy, and investment that reduces environmental impact.

Agility is the No. 3 sustainability leader in the region’s Transport & Logistics sector, according to Forbes’ new Middle East Sustainability 100 list. Agility is one of only three Kuwait-based companies on the Forbes list.

Agility is pioneering the use of sustainable materials, designs and systems in development and construction of industrial infrastructure in the Middle East and Africa. A warehouse at the Agility Logistics Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was the first warehousing facility in the Middle East and North Africa to receive EDGE Advanced “green building” certification. The company’s warehousing complex in Cote d’Ivoire is the first in West Africa to receive EDGE Advanced certification, an IFC-backed standard for buildings that at least more 40% energy-efficient than the market.

The company’s venture capital arm, Agility Ventures, has invested in startups and technology companies with innovations or disruptive business models that have a primary focus or quantifiable positive impact on the environment and social conditions. Among the technologies it has invested in: clean hybrid powertrain systems for long-haul trucking; electrified last-mile vehicles; EV charging networks and infrastructure; and solar thermal energy systems.

Agility’s operating businesses are following their own sustainability roadmaps. Agility’s Menzies Aviation business, the world’s largest provider of aviation ground services, and its Tristar liquid logistics affiliate are piloting industry efforts to green ground, air and ocean fleets, and develop storage and distribution infrastructure required for the transition to cleaner fuels.

Agility is also being recognized for its investments in its communities. In the last decade, Agility has reached more than 1 million people in need, including deploying resources in the aftermath of natural disasters and complex humanitarian emergencies, as well as a long-standing focus on youth education, entrepreneurship, employment, and digital skilling. Agility supports education and training initiatives for young people in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, India and Egypt, among other countries.

Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman said: “Agility has been investing in ESG leadership for nearly 20 years; it’s a core part of our culture, commitment, and value proposition to shareholders, customers, employees, and communities. We’re honored by the acknowledgement from Forbes, and thank every one of our employees and stakeholders for being such a critical part of our sustainability journey.”

Forbes recognized Agility and others on its Middle East Sustainability 100 list at a dinner chaired by H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.