E-commerce, financial services, integration, diversification and reforms highlighted in ‘Dubai Declaration'

UPU’s Arab Regional Conference charts roadmap for 2017-2020 postal strategy

Dubai, September 16, 2015: The two-day Arab Regional Conference on Istanbul World Postal Strategy organised by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), and hosted by Emirates Post Group (EPG), in Dubai on September 7 and 8, concluded with the issuing of a Dubai Declaration that calls for greater focus on e-commerce, integrated services , diversification and reforms, among other recommendations.

The Declaration called for bold reforms and more effective decision-making in UPU bodies, stronger role of governments and regulatory authorities in postal development in coordination with different UPU units, and sharing of expertise in tapping the huge opportunities provided by e-commerce and financial services sector.

The conference, which focused on the Istanbul World Postal Strategy for 2017-2020, was addressed by top UPU officials as well as heads of regionals posts, including officials from EPG, who shared UAE’s success in the expansion and diversification of postal network and services.

Addressing the Conference on the concluding day, Mr. Bishar A. Hussein, UPU Director General, said the Dubai Declaration echoed the aspirations of postal organisations in other parts of the world. “We have attended five regional conferences so far, and the issues are very common: need for double digit growth.

There is also a need for reforms and diversification in all regions. There is huge scope for posts to join the e-commerce boom. For example, online shopping deliveries and other logistical requirements can be handled more efficiently and cost-effectively by post offices.”

Mr. Hussein acknowledged that the need of the hour is to work on a three-point strategy -- innovation, integration and inclusion -- in which the most important thing is to bring all government bodies and stakeholders on board and link them with the existing postal network.

The Declaration stressed that the UPU and its bodies need to undergo transformation between now and 2020 to ensure flexibility in quick decision-making, in order to help posts build more relevant business models and tackle new challenges in a changing world environment

Mr. Fahad Al Hosani, Acting CEO of EPG, stressed the importance of developing region-specific policies for the Arab region at a time when postal organizations are facing many challenges. Referring to the UAE experience, Mr. Al Hosani said Emirates Post Group has created a new growth strategy that is focused on diversification into new areas such as e-commerce and financial services and launch of innovative services accessible through smartphones.

The conference adopted the matrix of regional cooperation and development priorities that will be integrated into the 2017-2020 UPU regional development plan for the Arab region, which is focused on operational efficiencies and e-commerce growth, as well as development of financial services and the overall postal sector and further diversification.

The conference was in line with the efforts of Arab postal organizations and the UPU International Bureau to provide necessary tools to innovate and succeed in postal sector, and create a package of appropriate plans and strategies to face the future.