THE North Africa and the Middle East (MENA) region is expected to provide better outsourcing than Eastern Europe, according AT Kearney's latest Global Services Location Index (GSLI) report.

    This means the region is likely to generate more business for freight forwarders, container shipping lines and logistics firms than for those operating in Eastern Europe.

    "The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have become increasingly attractive because of their proximity to Europe, competitive cost structure and vast talent pool," Dan Starta, managing director of Dubai-based AT Kearney Middle East, according to London's Containerisation International.

    It said AT Kearney placed Egypt in first place in the MENA region and rated it the fourth most competitive location worldwide, up from sixth position in 2009. Out of the top 40 nations the GSLI report ranked the UAE in 15th place, up from 29; Jordan was placed in 22nd place, Tunisia came in at 23 and Morocco was ranked 37th.

    "While this year's GSLI has highlighted the improved attractiveness of the MENA region for multinationals, the results also highlight that Middle East corporations may benefit from leveraging the opportunities presented by the most attractive off shoring destinations of India, China and Malaysia," said Mr Starta.

(Source:http://www.schednet.com)