Jean-Francois Condamine

President, UPS Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa District

What was the greatest challenge for UPS in 2016?
From Syria to Nepal to Rwanda, some of the world’s greatest challenges today revolve around logistics. Humanitarian aid and relief efforts require the collaboration of many entities, across sectors and geographies. The core mission of UPS Foundation is to help build stronger and more resilient communities. UPS invests in the Middle East from infrastructure to technology to human capital to make a measureable impact for those in need.
You can see this with our relief efforts sent from UAE to Nepal and Haiti, where we worked with partner organisations to provide relief supplies and logistics support after the devastating earthquake and hurricane. Or our partnership with the Dubai government to convene dialogue around pandemic preparedness. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance humanitarian logistics to help save lives.
Our partnership with Zipline and Gavi is transforming the delivery of critical life-saving medicines and supplies to remote areas in Rwanda.

What do you predict will be the key trends and events that will shape the regional logistics industry in 2017?
Look out for small and medium businesses – they are a source for growth that is not to be underestimated in the region. A recent report by the Dubai SME says Small and Medium Enterprises are the “engine” for economic growth and vital contributors to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). We couldn’t agree more. That’s why UPS will continue to contribute to the national economy by supporting the SMEs in developing their businesses. We have the expertise, with 109 years of experience and access to more than 220 countries and territories, to tailor the right solutions for small businesses.  Our company started with two bicycles and a $100 loan, so you see the SME spirit is still part of our DNA. Small businesses represent the future and we are in the business of helping them grow and scale their operations to meet their customer needs.

What will be the leading “mega-trends” defining your 2017 plans?  
Boston Consulting Group identified six megatrends that we agree are impacting the regional logistics industry. Those include the rapid development of emerging markets, urbanisation, sustainability, infrastructure congestion and scarcity, e-commerce, and digitisation.

We also think that factors such as the Expo 2020, Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup and National Logistics Development Plans will continue to drive the logistics sector.

While broader macroeconomic factors may potentially soften demand in some areas, we are bullish on the region – and see plenty of opportunity for economic growth. While broader macroeconomic factors may potentially soften demand in some areas, we are bullish on the region – and see plenty of opportunity for economic growth.