Kuwait jumps 3 spots among the world emerging markets
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 18: Kuwait advances three spots in the annual 50-country Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, improving its competitiveness in domestic logistics and business fundamentals at a time when it has 'embraced the PPP model to deliver its Vision 2035 ambitions,' the Index says. Kuwait's improved performance in the 2025 Index comes as the Gulf region stands out as a 'beacon of resilience' and 'gateway to the rest of the world' for major Asian exporters and other trading nations, according to the report. 'It is clear that Kuwait is entering a new phase, the features of which are evident in the government's ability to involve the private sector in its key development projects.' says Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan. 'The government has astutely managed difficult economic issues with an eye toward the future, improving the country's competitiveness and business climate. '
The Index, a survey of logistics industry professionals and annual ranking of emerging economies is in its 16th year. This year's Index shows the industry entering 2025 with caution. In the survey of 567 executives, more than 62% say they've overhauled their supply chains to safeguard against inflation, looming trade tariffs, the possibility of a global economic downturn and other major risks. Nearly 55% of respondents see a global recession as likely or certain. Almost 82% say tariffs and other trade protectionism are having a significant impact on their supply chains. Seventy-two percent say risks in emerging markets have increased over the past year.
The Index ranks the world's 50 leading emerging markets for overall competitiveness based on domestic and international logistics strengths, business climates and digital readiness -- factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, air and ocean carriers, distributors and investors. The 2025 Index features an in-depth analysis of GCC economies. Individually and as a group, the six Gulf countries are positioning themselves as global trade hubs, investing heavily in infrastructure, AI, energy transition, and workforce development. 'Economic headwinds' and Red Sea shipping attacks 'have done nothing to derail the (GCC) region's development strategies,' the Index says.
Throughout the region, 'market accessibility … is improving year-by-year. Foreign ownership levels, ease of capital inflows and outflows, legal frameworks to protect investments, and clearing and settlement procedures are critical to ensuring that (these markets are) attractive to foreign investors.' Gulf countries are among the leaders in every category of the Index. In the overall rankings, all six GCC countries rank in the top 11 for best business conditions. The countries most digitally ready are China, UAE, Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Stability at the top of the 50-country rankings was accompanied by volatility and movement further down in the Index. China, India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, Qatar, Thailand and Vietnam rank 1 through 10. Colombia (No. 21) leaped up the rankings; as Nigeria (43), Bangladesh (39) and Ukraine (40) tumbled.
In international logistics opportunities, China, India, Mexico, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia rank highest. In domestic logistics, the leaders are China, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE.
2025 Index Highlights Survey
Recession -- Nearly 55% of respondents see a global recession as likely or certain.
Protectionism -- Almost 82% say tariffs and other trade protectionism are having a significant impact on their supply chains.
Emerging markets – 72% say risks in emerging markets have increased over the past year.
China – 54% intend to move production or sourcing out of China in the next five years with U.S.-China trade friction, labor costs and increasing domestic regulation being the biggest factors.
Africa – Despite seeing heightened risks in emerging markets, 35% plan to boost investment in Africa in 2025 vs. only 8% planning to cut back there.
Net-Zero – Nearly 65% say their companies are on track to meet net-zero goals.
Country rankings
In the Middle East and North Africa, overall rankings are: UAE (3); Saudi Arabia (4); Qatar (8); Turkey (11); Oman (14); Bahrain (16); Jordan (17); Kuwait (18); Egypt (24); Morocco (26); Iran (32); Tunisia (36); Algeria (38); Lebanon (42); Libya (46).
Rankings in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa (20); Kenya (22); Ghana (31); Tanzania (37); Uganda (41); Nigeria (43); Ethiopia (45); Angola (47); Mozambique (48).
Rankings in Asia: China (1); India (2); Malaysia (5); Indonesia (6); Thailand (9); Vietnam (10); Philippines (23); Kazakhstan (25); Sri Lanka (27); Cambodia (30); Pakistan (33); Bangladesh (39); Myanmar (49).
Rankings for Latin America: Mexico (7); Chile (11); Brazil (13); Uruguay (19); Colombia (21); Peru (28); Argentina (29); Ecuador (34); Paraguay (35); Bolivia (44); Venezuela (50).
In Europe: Ukraine (40). Transport Intelligence (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, has compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009. John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: 'Despite global economic headwinds and disruption to shipping lanes over the last year, the Gulf economies have proved exceptionally resilient.
Diversification and their focus on investment in transport, the green energy transition, and other major infrastructure projects has laid the foundations for future growth. The improving security situation across the region will only act to accelerate their development as a bridge between emerging superpowers and the West.'
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