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GWC-Qatar
GWC provides a full portfolio of logistics and supply chain services; characterizes itself a one-stop-shop for start-ups, MSMEs and established businesses in Qatar.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is the lever as it heaves the country as a major international logistics and transportation hub and reinforcing Qatar’s vast growth potential while laying the groundwork for a sustainable and diverse economy. Gulf Warehousing Company is in the forefront of the collective corporate efforts to catapult the country as a premier logistics centre.
GWC trucks forming the number 500 at Al Bayt World Cup stadium.
Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO, GWC
The prestigious mega event, the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, marks a watershed occasion for Qatar to shine as the region’s top logistics and supply chain hub and a major transportation centre.
Qatar’s top logistics services company, Gulf Warehousing Company’s (GWC) mandate is to offer a comprehensive, broad spectrum of services ranging from end-to-end logistics, supply chain and transportation services, from point of entry to point of use and highly coordinated reverse logistics, thus giving its corporate customers the advantage of cost efficient, top-grade services.
In an exclusive email interview with Global Supply Chain, M. Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO, Gulf Warehousing Company, spoke expansively on a range of subjects the first Regional Supporter and Official Logistics Provider for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
For instance, GWC has its own pharmaceutical facility, offering 25,000 square meters of infrastructure and equipped with temperature controlled, refrigerated , and frozen storage built to the latest specifications. Our expertise in this sector has never been more important than during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a strong focus on ensuring availability and distribution of vaccines.
We have been a pioneer in the field of logistics locally and regionally with our over 3,800,000 sq m of logistics hub, 1,700 vehicles and 2,800 plus staff. Our success can be attributed to our drive to serve our client to the best of our ability, to not get deterred
from the company’s vast service offerings, development of the ambitious Al Wukair Logistics Park, the company’s association with the Qatar World Cup and country’s leaders and vision for the future.
Global Supply Chain (GSC): As one of the largest Logistics Services Providers (LSPs) in Region (in Qatar we are the one), GWC offers an eclectic range of services—give us the extent and scope of your services offerings and what role do free zones play in this?
Ranjeev Menon (RM): GWC began its operations in 2004 and in a short span of time has grown exponentially to offer state-of-theart logistics services to all industry verticals. Thanks to our credentials, global network and experience in handling major sporting events, GWC was last year unveiled as
by challenges and to constantly innovate.
We believe free zones are crucial for facilitating supply chain, and we were the first company to work out of Ras Bufontas Free Zone which has one of the region’s most advanced digital and logistical ecosystems. This will provide our clients competitive edge while strengthening Qatar’s position as a hub for re-exports, transit, trade and value-added services.
GSC: In 2019, GWC was awarded the US$ 410 million contract to develop the Al Wukair Logistics Park in South Central Doha amid stiff competition. Bring us to current on developments for this project?
RM: The Al Wukair Logistics Park is one of the flagship developments of GWC, with a very strong focus on providing micro, small and medium scale Enterprises (MSMEs) with access to logistics and light industry infrastructure needed for their growth and success. Its development is on track and the Logistics Park first phase will be complete by the end of 2021.
This 1.5 million sq m site, which is strategically located between Hamad Port and Hamad International Airport, is an example of our belief in and support to the MSME sector, which will be the main driver of Qatar and the regional economies.
It offers every type of warehousing, workshops, and showrooms available, as well as access to GWC’s full range of supply chain solutions.
It is a one-stop-shop for start-ups, MSMEs and established businesses with GWC supporting all regulatory as well as infrastructure and supply chain needs. The businesses get to operate in an international business park with scalability options and being close to ancillary industries.
GSC: Tell us briefly about your FIFA 2022 association—what have been your accomplishments and what is your role in the run up to the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022?
RM: We are excited about our role in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. As the Regional Supporter and Official Logistics Provider, we are aware of the immense responsibility placed on us and the mammoth task we have ahead. We have been working diligently to ensure the seamless delivery of this mega sporting event.
GWC was awarded the US$ 410 million contract to develop the Al Wukair Logistics Park (1.5 million sq m) in South Central Doha
GWC Al Wukair Logistics Park
The Al Wukair Logistics Park is set up as part of GWC’s efforts to support MSMEs and enable them to thrive.
This strategically positioned 1.5sqkm facility caters for a whole range of industries that require light industrial workshops, storage units and open yards; offering ideal platform for established companies and new market entrants. Al Wukair is one of several facilities attracting businesses to the country, along with Qatar’s commitment to offering a simple company formation process in which GWC is able to support.
Al Wukair logistics park offers a one-stop-shop for leasing a warehouse or workshop, company formation formalities, including applications for necessary permits, and logistics operations.
Start-ups who work with GWC will benefit from years of local, regional and international experience, along with a global, integrated network.
GWC’s deep, hard-earned knowledge of the local market makes Al Wukair Logistics Park the ideal destination for businesses to avail of and enjoy the best logistics infrastructure that will allow them to focus on their core businesses and reap the benefits of a flourishing economy.
There is no doubt that businesses prefer locations such as Al Wukair Logistics Park that provide quick, efficient, high-quality and hassle-free access to different industries. One major benefit of Al Wukair is its strategic location.
“Al Wukair Logistics Park will exhibit our expertise and capabilities to offer value solutions to our clients that will positively affect their bottom line while enabling them to focus on their core business,” affirmed Ranjeev Menon.
“The strategic location of the park between the airport and seaport, allows businesses of all sizes to operate as efficiently as possible. Al Wukair plays a critical role in supporting start-ups, helping to develop adjacent industries and in the process boosting entrepreneurship – all key, strategic goals of the State of Qatar.”
Logistics will play a significant role during the tournament and we have been working very closely with FIFA, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to implement and execute a broad spectrum of logistics services as we will be involved in every part of operations, from venue logistics, broadcasting and cold chain logistics, to shipping, customs clearance, transport and warehousing, down to logistics operations of merchandise, souvenirs, and food and beverages.
GWC, with its 3,800,000 square meter of logistics infrastructure, a global freight-forwarding network and more than 1,700 specialist vehicles, will be involved extensively in the tournament operations, and will offer end-toend tracking and execution, from point of entry to point of use, and highly coordinated reverse logistics.
The FIFA Arab Cup, which will be held from November 30, December 18, 2021 will be a litmus test in terms of operations and execution ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.
GSC: What are the challenges confronting the logistics and supply chain industry at present and what is being done to overcome the same?
RM: There is no denying that the logistics industry suffered a setback, just like any other sector due to Covid-19. It has been challenging as different parts of the world are moving at different pace and businesses are being required to adapt to new situations all the time.
Logistics is also largely a consumer driven sector and Covid-19 brought about a shift in the consumers demand and preferences and they resorted to online shopping, thus changing the dynamics of this sector.
As a consequence of this we have seen an increase in freight charges, coupled with shortage in shipping containers which has adversely impacted the logistics industry.
A case in point is the continuing shortage in semiconductors due to change in demand pattern. With Covid-19, we saw an increase in demand for semiconductors for appliances and manufacturers were not ready for this sudden change. And believe it or not, almost all industries depend on semiconductors today and this puts a strain and continues to do so on the global supply chain.
However, here at GWC we believe that every challenge is an opportunity, and this pandemic has highlighted the importance of
Aerial view of Logistics Village Qatar
having an agile and lean supply chain. We have been cognizant of this and have opened more channels of communication with our clients and offered them alternate solutions.
GSC: What is your vision for GWC going forward for the short and long term?-
RM: Here at GWC our ethos has been never to hesitate in taking up an opportunity but at the same time taking calculated risks while moving ahead.
We believe in delivering what we promised and that has been key to our success. Our meteoric rise from a local company set up in 2004 to being the Regional Supporter and Official Logistics Provider FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is testament to our merit, and our ability to take on such a massive responsibility. We are confident about our capabilities
in delivering an exceptional World Cup to the world and be part of the future of Qatar.
We aim to show what Qatar is capable of when it comes to setting up the stage for the world to see.
We will carry on supporting MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) as they are the backbone of any economy, especially in the Middle East and key for Qatar’s economic diversification. The Al Wukair Logistics Park is a clear example of our belief in this sector and what role it will play in Qatar’s economic growth.
We will also continue to work towards developing our assets, our human resources which will open more doors for us regionally and internationally and help explore new markets. This coupled with focus on our quest for innovation, digital transformation and technology, will help us maintain our competitive edge and allow us to achieve new milestones and represent the vision and spirit of Qatar.
