The MoU was conceived to explore sector-wide opportunities to improve and automate the logistics industry and support the UAE’s burgeoning e-commerce growth. It was signed by Nadia Abdul Aziz, President of NAFL and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Chair of the Customs and Trade Facilitation Commission UAE, and Umer Saleem, Business Development and Sales - MENA, SE Asia and Turkey for Fives SAS.
Worth more than AED220bn, the UAE logistics market contributes more than 13% of the country’s GDP. The development of the logistics ecosystem through digital and infrastructure investment is a key focus in sustaining the nation’s economic growth.
“After successfully executing several smart projects in the region, Fives Smart Automation Solutions appreciates how local customers understand the importance and benefits of smart automation, a trend which has been fast-tracked due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Massimiliano Fochetti, Global EVP Sales and Marketing for Fives SAS. “Aligned with our ambitious growth target, we are ready to cater to our local customers’ needs as a strategic partner for NAFL in the UAE.”
With more than two centuries of experience, Fives is an industrial engineering group which designs and manufactures machines, process equipment and production lines for the world’s largest manufacturers. Fives SAS will facilitate the work of NAFL’s 400-plus corporate members, who include global conglomerates as well as large and medium national organisations, and support digitalisation processes.
“In addition to illustrating the UAE’s strength as a global logistics and humanitarian hub, the pandemic has re-emphasised the importance of capitalising on e-commerce growth, including significant opportunities for last mile delivery services which are in great demand,” Aziz commented. “The UAE is an ideal logistic hub for both sectors due to its excellent connectivity by air, sea and land, as well as rail, which a priority for the country’s leaders.”
The MoU also outlines further collaboration designed to utilise Fives’ experience in automated sorting and intralogistics robotic solutions to improve NAFL members’ efficiencies, assist global market knowledge and robotic expertise, and aid Emiratisation and local recruitment initiatives.