TRADE-

#1- DP World, Itochu ink trade + logistics MoU for Sub-Saharan Africa: State-owned logistics giant DP World is partnering with one of Japan’s largest trading companies, Itochu, to expand logistics connectivity and trade access across Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Dubai Media Office. Under an MoU, the two will seek to boost Japanese companies’ presence in the region, with initial efforts targeting improving supply chains, commodities and food products distribution, as well as fleet and logistics operations.

REMEMBER- DP World currently operates in 48 African countries. Last year, the logistics company earmarked USD 3 bn for new port infrastructure in the continent, partnered with the UK government to develop DR Congo’s first deep-sea container port, and got the greenlight from Mozambique’s government to expand the Maputo port.

#2- Kemet mulls Egypt, Tanzania plants: Edible oil manufacturer Kemet LogisticsExport Import plans to establish two factories with combined investments of USD 5 mn over the coming two years, one in Egypt and one in Tanzania, Commercial Director Younes Gomaa told Al Borsa. Each of the factories will have a daily production capacity of 200 tons, 30% of which will be earmarked for exports. The plants will produce pure sunflower oil and soybean oil.

#3- Iran and Armenia have slashed tariffs on 87% of bilaterally traded goods, bolstering Tehran’s trade ties with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Tehran Times reported last week, citing Iran’s Industry, Mining, and Trade Minister Seyed Mohammad Atabak. Iran was recently recognized as a permanent observer in the EAEU — of which Armenia is a member — amid efforts by Tehran to expand a preferential trade pact with the bloc, the outlet said.

CARGO-

#1- SolitAir kicks off air cargo operations in mainland China: Dubai-based cargo carrier SolitAir launched direct flights from its logistics facility at Al Maktoum International Airport to China’s industrial city of Ürümqi, according to a press release published on Thursday. The move marks its first direct route into mainland China — providing faster transit for time-sensitive cargo such as electronics, pharma products, fashion goods, and perishables.

IN CONTEXT- China is the UAE’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 102 bn in 2024, the press release says. Ürümqi is positioned as a logistics gateway to Central Asia and is located near key points on China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

#2- Etihad Cargo increases belly-hold capacity with updated winter schedule:

Etihad Airways’ cargo arm Etihad Cargo has added new destinations to its winter flight schedule, according to a press release published on Thursday. The carrier is launching new routes to Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Taipei, and increasing the frequency of its services to Lisbon, Warsaw, Atlanta, Bangkok, and Manchester.

Also in the pipeline: Between November 2025 and March 2026, Etihad Airways plans to gradually launch passenger flights to 16 new destinations — including Addis Ababa, Algiers, and Bucharest — with the aim of increasing its belly-hold capacity on more than 1k weekly flights. Increasing passenger flight destinations will strengthen the airline’s presence in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the statement says.

AVIATION-

Iraq, Lebanese firm ink ground-handling agreement: The Iraqi Airports Administration Directorate inked a contract with Lebanese air transport firm Charter for ground handling services at Basra International Airport, after the agreement with the previous local services provider expired, Shafaq News reported on Wednesday. The Lebanese firm will provide cargo, transport, and ground operation services.

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