UAE logistics market to exceed $10bn in 2015, sustaining 8% CAGR from 2009

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, particularly the UAE's logistics market, which is expected to sustain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% to reach $10.06bn by 2015 from just $6.35bn in 2009, according to a Frost & Sullivan report.

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 realizing 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 Chief Executive 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, capitalizing on our experience and expanding international presence in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the Far East."

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%, while the export market grew by 33%, or twice the rate of imports, according to Dun & Bradsheet. The re-export market also expanded by 13% 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.

"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.