Suku Sudhakaran, The AGM for CSS Abu Dhabi, is optimistic about the recent trends in the industry. 
He mentioned his views and ideas about the prospective market and the larger opportunities waiting beyond what we actually see in the current scenario in his article to Light House. Suku has been with the group company for more than a decade now.
About the New office of CSS Abu Dhabi
The decision for a second office in the capital was taken not looking into the economic meltdown and the present downward trend of business in Dubai and the exodus of people moving to grab opportunities in the still stable Abu Dhabi market. Plans of expanding CSS’s presence in Abu Dhabi was put into motion during the latter half of 2008 when the branch was showing record growth. CSS’s Abu Dhabi branch established in 2002 which was accommodating 7 staff has been witnessing a steady growth until 2008 when the graphs shot up.
While the expansion plans were midway the economic crisis hit out, while most of the market became pessimistic CSS went ahead with the plans of expansion and now have a new bigger and better office at the heart of Abu Dhabi City. In order to fully capitalize on the positive trend in the Abu Dhabi economy a decision was taken to intensify the sales efforts in this market and that meant expanding staff strength in all departments including the Sales & Marketing team which invariably meant a larger office to accommodate the expected future staff strength of 25.
Being close to the Zayed University and Central Taxi Depot the location is quite strategic as it being in the central area makes access easy for all (both our clients and suppliers from the city and the industrial areas) and also there is ample parking space which is a very rare commodity in the city.
The booming Abu Dhabi economy
Abu Dhabi hold more than 90 percent of the oil reserves in the UAE and a strong backing from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority which injects funds to balance budgets especially during times of crisis ensure that the economy stays stable. But this is where the capital is changing its policies. Abu Dhabi has plans to develop the non oil sectors and is projecting a growth of 6 to 7 percentage until 2015. They are already in the process of developing the metal industry with projects like Emal, and other industries that are going to be promoted are aviation (Etihad Airlines), tourism and entertainment, pharmaceuticals, education, telecommunication and many more. Abu Dhabi has got long term planning like the 2030 plan which is projecting a strong economy. They also are having plans to improvise their monetary policies. With all these aspects and the well planned policies we are sure that Abu Dhabi is going to grow as per forecasts and projections and we at CSS are all geared up and ready to be part of this growth.
The competitive edge of CSS
With over 6 years of freight forwarding service to the oil & trading industries CSS has built a name for itself in the Freight Forwarding industry offering un paralleled service to its clients by boasting a team of highly skilled multi-lingual and motivated professionals who all share in the company’s vision to be leaders in the industry. With the establishment of our new office we reiterate our commitment to our clients to continue our high standards of service and open up new avenues to service our clients better and move forward with them hand in hand into what we believe will be a brighter future. Also the new state of the art logistics facility in Mussafah will also help us by being able to cater to the logistics requirement of the market.
Growth Plans
At present CSS Abu Dhabi has a strong team engaged with jobs in the oil industry but there are plans to appoint more professionals to look into other sectors as well, like developing the consolidation sector. Focus will be directed on formulating and implementing expansion strategies to provide complete storage and logistics solutions to the Abu Dhabi market (The logistics facility taken up in Mussaffah is the first move in that direction). More attention will also be given in improving the company’s presence in the Local and International Land Transportation sector.
Opportunities in the Freight forwarding industry
The feeling at the moment is that the freight forwarding industry, in this part of the world should be looking at capitalizing in the alternative energy sector. This will definitely be rated as the number one opportunity with more and more corporate companies and governments setting regulations to counter the silent environmental crisis. This is not just an opportunity but also a requirement that is quite delayed as it is true that the effects of global warming and pollution are taking it’s toll on the environment and unlike portrayed earlier are effecting our generation rather that the generations to come. It is an obligation towards our own conscience.