Bringing together the industry’s leading regional figures last week, the World Mail & Express Middle East conference, organised by Triangle in Dubai, focused on ‘Best practice’ and ‘Market growth’. And there was plenty of evidence to suggest that those two elements were very much alive in this region.
Neil Jackson added, “Listening to the senior delegates at the event, it appears that almost every major player is scaling up their business, either through innovation, partnering or pure organic growth. There’s no doubt that the Middle East is experiencing tremendous growth and it’s good to see so many initiatives being driven forward. Equally important though, in this new market, is that providers listen and respond to customers’ needs”.
Expansion plans coming to fruition
Abdulla Al Daboos, Director General of Emirates Post, the host sponsor of the event, said at the previous conference that he expected Emirates Post to develop into a one-stop shop business, possibly even operating its own aircraft in the not too distant future. At last week’s conference, Al Daboos announced that they had purchased their first two freighters and are likely to be flying as soon as next month. Along with creating a new regional ground transport network, developing financial services and expanding Empost’s offerings, Emirates Post is also planning an IPO to support their global expansion plans.
A premium sponsor of the conference, Middle East-based express and freight transport group, Aramex, also have their sights on rapid global expansion. Fadi Ghandour, CEO of Aramex, said, “Dubai and Saudi Arabia markets are both growing faster than the industry average. Following our flotation on the Dubai stock exchange last year, our success continues as we target profitable medium-sized businesses and enjoy this local organic growth. It provides us with a great platform to fulfill our expansion plans in the USA and China markets through acquisitions”
Another premium sponsor, DHL Express, is expecting good growth from the region. Despite the more concentrated competition, DHL has already expanded its domestic services Phil Couchman, Regional Director, DHL Middle East, told the conference that they would be further expanding Servicepoint outlets in their quest to service small businesses within the UAE. On a larger scale Deutsche Post World Net announced that they would also be investing in a significant hub at the new Dubai World Central Airport.
A collaborative approach
At the conference Martyn Berrett, Vice President New Business Europe and Middle East of Reader’s Digest, presented his view of how Post’s and express companies could work together with major customers to open markets. He stressed the opportunities for a collaborative approach and talked about the potential long term rewards for both parties. Summing up the 3 days of conference he said, “At Reader’s Digest we rely heavily on the Posts for an efficient and cost effective mail delivery service. For us, the most encouraging aspect of this year’s conference was to hear that the investments the region’s Posts are making in this area are coming to fruition, the Wasel Project in KSA is a great example of this. We think the environment now exists to introduce our business to the middle east and we plan a number of tests over the next 12 months. As always the conference provided a great forum in which to make and renew acquaintances, and to develop these plans”.
For further details and updates on seminars, speakers and other event information delegates can go to www.triangle.eu.com
Notes for Editors:
- World Mail & Express (WMX) events are organised by Triangle Management Services Ltd, based in the UK. The 2007 Dubai event was the 26th in the World series;
- The internationally recognised World Mail & Express series of conferences have been held around the world since 1988 and in recent years has operated regionally, with events focused on Asia Pacific, the Americas, Middle East and Africa as well as Europe. It provides a unique market place for the public and private sectors to meet and discuss the broader industry issues, seek partners and listen to customers;
- The next World Mail & Express event will be held in London during May and will incorporate the 2007 World Mail Awards;
- Press delegates are welcome to attend – please contact the event team to book your place on +44 (0)870 950 7900
Triangle Management Services Ltd, founded in 1984, is today the pre-eminent independent specialist management services company within the global mail, express and logistics sectors. Triangle offers the following services to clients: Recruitment, Market Research, Consultancy, Conferences and Mergers and Acquisitions.
