UAE first in region in Emerging Markets Logistics Index

The emirates have a very open financial sector, a regulatory system that is very transparent and a comprehensive strategy to develop small and medium enterprises nationwide.

No wonder the UAE ranks first in the region and third globally, after China and India respectively, for the sixth consecutive year, according to the 2020 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index.

 
For the first time since the launch of the Index, the UAE features in the top 10 list of all three individual sub-Indices. The jump in the rankings is the result of frameworks to curb corruption and its progress among other issues.

Gulf countries outperform most other emerging market regions in the 11th annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, a broad gauge of competitiveness based on logistics strength and business fundamentals.

Business-friendly conditions and core strengths position several Gulf countries near the top of the Index, behind giants China (1) and India (2), and alongside Southeast Asian nations.
 
In the Gulf, United Arab Emirates (No. 3), Saudi Arabia (6), Oman (14), Bahrain (15) and Kuwait (19) rank highly. Among ASEAN countries, Indonesia (4), Malaysia (5), Thailand (9) and Vietnam (11) are strong.

“The Gulf nations continue to diversify, making steady progress in streamlining regulation and realising increased digital capabilities,” says Elias Monem, CEO of Middle East & Africa for Agility GIL. “The entire region is growing and the outlook continues to be healthy as we enter the new decade.”

Agility’s annual survey of 780 supply chain professionals reveals overall pessimism about the world economy, with 64% saying a global recession is likely, and only 12% of executives saying a recession is unlikely. Downward pressure on global trade volumes, uncertain growth prospects and the ongoing trade war between the US and China are driving this belief.
 
The Index ranks 50 countries by factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo carriers and distributors. The top 10 are: China, India, UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey,

China, India and Indonesia rank highest for domestic logistics; China, India and Mexico are top for international logistics; and UAE, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia have the best business fundamentals.