How KSA fared amongst its EM peers in logistics- Agility’s index

Saudi made the top 10 on Kuwaiti logistics giant Agility’s annual emerging markets logistics index (pdf), ranking sixth overall and second regionally. The index is based on a survey of industry execs.

The Kingdom made the top 10 list in all of the index’ subcategories. The rankings in short:

• Third place in best business fundamentals;
• Sixth place in digital readiness;
• Sixth place in international logistics, up from third in the previous year;
• Seventh place in domestic logistics.

KSA made the most progress diversifying the economy over the past decade, followed by the UAE and Qatar, poll respondents said. Respondents highlighted a favorable environment for SMEs as the primary driver for diversification, followed by improved conditions for multinationals, innovation and technology, infrastructure, among other factors.

The methodology: The index surveyed 830 industry executives to evaluate 50 emerging markets according to their appeal to industry stakeholders, such as freight forwarders, ocean and air freight carriers, distributors, and investors. Countries were assessed on these criteria: potential for growth in the domestic and international logistics sectors, business openness, and digital readiness.