UK-based Zencargo to use UAE base for MENA expansion
Digital logistics provider joins UAE’s NextGen FDI programme
Zencargo, a leading UK-based digital first freight forwarder and logistics provider, has launched its commercial operations in the UAE to scale up its MENA footprint.
Founded in London in 2017 by Alex Hersham and Richard Fattal, Zencargo uses proprietary software to provide clients with an overview of their supply chain operations.
The company’s platform, powered by machine learning, digitises the end-to-end inbound supply chain process, offering complete visibility at each stage, from order to delivery.
According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, Zencargo has joined its NextGen FDI programme following the company’s decision to integrate into the UAE’s technology, trade and logistics ecosystem and use the country to expand into Africa and South Asia.
Crucial programme
The NextGen FDI programme, launched in 2022, supports the growth of the UAE’s knowledge-based economy by enabling rapid incorporation and licensing, ready access to banking facilities and real estate and facilitating visa issuance for advanced technology companies seeking to operate in the UAE.
The programme comprises UAE government and private sector stakeholders, including Dubai International Financial Centre, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Dubai Internet City, Dubai South, Emirates NBD, and the digital banking platform Wio.
Zencargo’s entry into the UAE is an endorsement of the UAE’s Trade Tech initiative, which was launched in partnership with the World Economic Forum to accelerate the digitalisation of international supply chains, enhance customs procedures, improve developing countries’ access to the global trading system and spur a new era of trade growth.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: “The UAE is a champion of trade innovation and supports the harnessing of advanced technology to catalyse global trade.
Steppingstone
“Zencargo’s decision to open operations in UAE is the latest example of a ground-breaking company taking advantage of our NextGen FDI programme and the UAE’s dynamic business ecosystem to pursue their next growth stage, including expanding into new markets.
“Their utilisation of advanced technology to revolutionise freight forwarding is fully aligned with the UAE Trade Tech initiative, which seeks to deploy the tools of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to bring the global trading system into the 21st Century,” Al Zeyoudi added.
Richard Fattal, Co-Founder of Zencargo, said: “We are delighted to be expanding in the GCC region, which is undergoing so much growth and with a transparent and open attitude to facilitating global trade that we find deeply encouraging.
“NextGen FDI and the UAE’s free port strategy are clear examples of this, and we are excited to be helping businesses in the region to unlock smarter shipping decisions and connect them with the tools to gain more control over their supply chains,” said Fattal.
Zencargo has a multinational client base and operates offices in the UK, North America, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, China, and East Asia.
Featured image: Zencargo.
Last Updated on 9 months by Arnold Pinto
