QFZ + Qatar Post partner on postal services, Iran expands domestic railway network, Boeing certifies Shimco operations in Morocco

ZONES-

QFZ + Qatar Post join forces:The Qatar Freezones Authority (QFZ) has inked an MoUwith Qatar Post to provide a comprehensive suite of postal services to companies and investors in Qatar’s freezones, according to a statement released last week. The agreement aims to lay the groundwork for Qatar Post to provide postal services including mail collection, PO box services, international shipping, and shop and ship services.

TRADE-

Emirati and Indian officials met to discuss theIndia-Middle East Europe EconomicCorridor (IMEC) project last week, in support of an intergovernmental framework agreement inked by the pair in February, Middle East Briefing reported last week. Several stakeholders in the project, including DP World, AD Ports Group and UAE’s Federal Customs Authority were involved in discussions. The group looked at ways to foster cooperation between the mutual customs authorities, and touched on ways to streamline supply reroutes and enhanced trade.

REMEMBER- Rising tensions in the Middle East due to Israel's war on Gaza are threatening to halt the US-led India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) — poised to link India to Europe via the GCC and Israel. Violence in the region “has diverted attention away from discussions on IMEC,” a source in the know said in January.

AVIATION-

Boeing certification secured for Shimco operations in Morocco: Boeing has granted its BMS7-335 certification for Canada-based aerospace parts subcontractor Shimco to manufacture laminated metal and composite specifications in Morocco, Morocco World News reported last week, citing a statement. Shimco, which had been looking to obtain the certification since 2021, has now joined Boeing’s Qualified Product List and will supply directly to the firm. Morocco's Midparc aviation cluster inked an agreement in March with Shimco to establish a 1.3k sqm facility at the Nouaceur freezone.

DATA CENTERS-

UAE-based Damac’s digital arm Edgnex will set up a 15 MW data center in Jakarta, Indonesia, according to a statement released last week. The first phase of the data center will be completed in 4Q 2025 and no investment ticket has been disclosed. The hub will have dual road access and enhanced fiber connectivity to ensure service reliability and performance.

Edgnex is doubling down on investments: The company recently partnered up with Vodafone Turkey in a USD 100 mn investment to launch a 6 MW data center in Izmir, Turkey. It is also pouring USD 600 mn to build data centers in Riyadh and Dammam, with a 55 MW capacity as part of a USD 1 bn data center development strategy. The company also inked an MoU in March 2023 to build a data center in Jordan.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Italian ship building group Fincantieri has launched a new Saudi subsidiary, dubbed Fincantieri Arabia,according to a statement released last week. The subsidiary will promote Fincantieri’s capabilities in shipbuilding, maritime equipment and systems, and naval logistic support services. It will also coordinate stakeholder relationships in KSA and identify local partners. Fincantieri will also transfer to KSA its technological expertise for shipbuilding in the cruise, defense, and offshore sectors, according to the release. The subsidiary will develop green ships in line with KSA’s aim to have net-zero emissions by 2060, and will digitize shipyard operations through tech such as digital twins, AI, welding robots, and unmanned vehicles.

LOGISTICS HANDLING-

Alonso expands to Morocco: Spanish logistics group Alonso Group has opened up a new office in Casablanca, dubbed Alonso Forwarding Morocco, according to a press release issued last week. The branch will provide several logistics services, including 3PL activities, and focuses on maritime transport with full container loads and LCL consolidation loads, the statement said. The new office will promote land transport between Morocco, Spain, Portugal, and the rest of Europe. Alonso will continue to expand in Morocco, with plans for a second office in Tangiers, according to the release. Alonso already has branches in Tunisia and Algeria.

Morocco’s heavy into logistics: Morocco’s investment in maritime and rail infrastructure, alongside its growing construction sector, positions it as a key logistics player. The country also takes part in nearshoring, hosting the production of goods from nearby countries, which helps them slash transport costs and delivery times, according to the release.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

• IFC readies BGW development plans: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has finalized proposals for the development of Baghdad International Airport. The proposed plans depend on projections for increases in passenger numbers at the airport. (INA)
• QatarEnergy + Koch Fertilizer ink long-term supply agreement: QatarEnergy has signed a 15-year agreement to supply 0.74 mn tons of urea per year to fertilizer producer Koch Fertilizer starting July. QatarEnergy will supply Qatari-origin urea to the US agricultural sectors and other international markets. (Bloomberg)
• New Iran rail link launched:Iran has launched a new 270 km railway linking the Yazd and Fars provinces. The route, a key part of the International North-South Transport Corridor, includes 11 stations and hosts freight trains, at a speed of 120 km per hour, and passenger trains, at 160 km per hour.(IRNA)
• The UAE’s maritime sector due for some streamlining: The UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) plans to cancel 2k government procedures and halve the time needed to carry out government services in the maritime sector. (Wam)
• Al Ghurair Motors to be exclusive EV dealer for TAM-Europe: The UAE’s Al GhurairMotors has partnered with Slovenian manufacturer TAM-Europe to exclusively provide TAM-Europe's EVs to the UAE market. (Press Release)
• Global Clearinghouse systems to operate equipment at Shuaiba Port: The Kuwait Port Authority has signed a tender with Global Clearinghouse Systems to operate and maintain bridge cranes and ground equipment at Shuaiba Port container terminal. (Statement)
• GACA + Elm sign agreement for air service automation: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) has inked an MoU with Saudi information technology firm Elm to automate all air cargo related services through Washaj — an electronic platform air freight services. (SPA)
• Sohar Port and RoSPA join forces:Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone has inked an MoU with the UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to cooperate in occupational safety training and knowledge sharing. (Statement)