Smart procurement and In Country Valuation (ICV) have redirected AED 145bn to the UAE economy since 2018
Reaffirming the UAE’s global commitment to sustainability and innovation, HE Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, said data-driven, resilient and sustainable supply chains are imperative to help withstand global trade risks.
Sharing his insights at the International Procurement and Supply Chain Conference (IPSC 2025) in Dubai organised by the global leader in supply chain training and consulting, Blue Ocean Corporation, Sheikh Nahayan said that supply chains must be effective and responsive to rapid change and should continue to improve.
Fragile supply chains
“We have come to realize the fragile nature of supply chains, and to appreciate that, in this globalized world, we must have supply chains that can respond to freer trade, to technological advancements, to increased automation and use of robotics, and to the forces of market economies,” he asserted in his keynote address.
Congratulating Blue Ocean Corporation for organizing IPSC, he said that procurement systems and supply chains are susceptible to complexity and vulnerability in the face of unforeseen global circumstances, and it is the collective responsibility of governments and businesses to ensure that they remain sustainable, resilient, and beneficial to society and to the wellbeing of the planet.
IPSC 2025 was held under the theme of ‘Redefining Global Trade: The UAE Shaping Sustainable Supply Chains for the Future’.
Regenerative Supply Chains
“Focus on carbon-negative regenerative supply chain models that even go beyond sustainability practices are a must in the current times of trade to further reinforce circular economy,” stated Dr. Sathya Menon, Group CEO, Blue Ocean Corporation, at IPSC 2025.
“Regenerative supply chains are increasingly seen as a panacea for trade disruptions like higher tariffs, climate change and geopolitical bottlenecks as it focuses on local procurement leading to reduced burden on planning and supply chain costs. Local procurement is also carbon negative as sourcing happens locally resulting in reduced carbon emissions, and comes at lower transportation costs, in turn helping local economy thrive,” he continued.
Experts at the IPSC 2025 said digitally empowered and purpose-led local procurement has become a tool of economic empowerment in communities across the world, fostering innovation and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) integration. For instance, Dubai’s smart strategy through its DubaiNow app platform has unified procurement across over 40 government entities, improving efficiency, vendor experience and public spending transparency.
“Procurement has shifted to national value creation and digital excellence, fostering local supplier growth driving economic diversification and innovation partnerships,” commented Nabil Sousou, Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer for Africa, Middle East, and South Asia at PepsiCo, adding that key initiative like the implementation of the In-Country Value (ICV) Program tied to procurement contracts has helped redirect AED 145bn into the UAE economy since 2018.
Redefining global trade
IPSC 2025 brought together over 650 international delegates, including procurement experts, policymakers, and industry innovators to discuss redefining global trade and supply chain ecosystems.
Sourav Ganguly, former Indian Cricket team Captain, and Amruta Devendra Fadnavis, renowned Indian social activist and Chairperson of the Divija Foundation, joined as Guests of Honour, bringing international spotlight to the conference.
“Success isn’t won alone. It is forged through teamwork and recognizing every teammate’s role. Be it in sports or business, true leaders should lift others up,” noted Sourav Ganguly, who is also a Board Member at the Blue Ocean Corporation.
“More than a trade hub, the UAE is a global pacesetter. IPSC 2025 discussions have laid the groundwork for supply chains that thrive sustainably, and we are proud to drive this momentum forward,” remarked Abdul Azeez, Group Chairman, Blue Ocean Corporation.
The next edition of IPSC will be held in New Delhi. Earlier editions were in London, Mumbai, and Riyadh before Dubai, a press statement concluded.
