Company News @ ICS

2009 Date: 22-24 April, 2009.

Venue: Marrakesh, Morocco.

Active participation in 2009 WCO IT Conference & Exhibition

Inspection & Control Services (ICS) participated in the recent WCO IT Conference & Exhibition [Marrakesh, 22-24 April 2009] to showcase MicroClear, a proprietary and internally developed and enhanced world-class supply chain, customs, e-commerce and decision support solution. This event was attended by more than 600 delegates representing 121 countries. The key objective of the three-day conference was to provide a platform for exchanging views on the vital role that technology can play in linking all parties operating at the border in the most effective manner. The topic for this year’s conference was “Single Window: Delivering Business Advantages".

The exhibition that was organized alongside the conference provided IT companies with the opportunity to showcase brand new products and emerging technologies that have been designed specifically for the global Customs and trade market. ICS was one of the Gold sponsors for the event. Mr. Ismail Abed, Chief Information Officer, presented the wide range of features and benefits of MicroClear solution, including the Single Window Capability. ICS team also demonstrated the MicroClear product to interested parties. MicroClear® was featured at every WCO IT Conference & Exhibition organized in the past eight years.

2008 April 28, 2008

MicroClear® featured at WCO 2008 IT Conference & Exhibition in Seoul, Republic of Korea

Inspection & Control Services (ICS) participated in the recent WCO IT Conference & Exhibition held in Seoul, Republic of Korea from 23rd to 25th April 2008. The topic for conference this year was "Integrated Border Management - Is IT Essential?". The 3-day event included presentations and discussions to explore the role of information technology in managing security at the border. Approximately 400 delegates from several Customs Administrations, the ICT sector, governmental & trade organisations and representatives from border regulatory agencies took part in this conference. ICS was one of the Platinum sponsors for the event showcasing the capabilities of our flagship product MicroClear®. This conference provided ICS an opportunity to meet a variety of potential customers and associates, identify IT opportunities in the Customs environment and give complete demo of our system to interested parties. MicroClear® was featured at the WCO IT Conference & Exhibition for the past six years consecutively- WCO 2002 IT Symposium in Brussels, Belgium, WCO 2003 IT Conference in the Republic of South Africa, WCO 2004 IT Conference in Malaysia, WCO 2005 IT Conference in Turkey, WCO 2006 IT Conference in India and WCO 2007 IT Conference & Exhibition in Mexico.

2007 May 1, 2007

Agility Opens San Diego Office to Serve US/Mexico Customers’ Logistics Needs

SANTA ANA, Calif., May 1, 2007 – Agility, a global, US$4.5 billion logistics provider, has opened a new office in San Diego with operations beginning May 1.

The new facility is within a few miles of the US/Mexico border and will manage customer freight needs in the San Diego area and between the two countries, according to Paul J. Van Ness, Branch Director of the new facility and the company’s Los Angeles operation. The company’s Americas headquarters are based in Santa Ana, Calif.

The new San Diego branch will have warehouse facilities, operational and sales staff, and will handle Air, Ocean, and Road freight forwarding and logistics, customs clearance, and other customer needs in the market.“Our intent is to service the San Diego County market and clients in Northern Mexico, immediately south of the US border to Ensenada,” said Van Ness in opening the facility.“This branch will ensure our ability to meet client needs for cargo handling with flexibility and control, while at the same time eliminating costs and reducing transit times to and from Mexico and/or Los Angeles.

The new station is located at 1425 Corporate Center Drive, No.100, San Diego, CA 92154. The telephone number is (619) 661-6456.

About Agility - A New Logistics Leader

Agility is a global provider of integrated supply chain solutions with more than 20,000 employees, 450 offices in 100 countries around the world and over $4.5 billion in annual revenue. A publicly traded company, we offer our customers truly personalized service and flexible solutions tailored to meet their individual business needs, supported by a comprehensive network of warehousing facilities, transportation and freight management services.

Agility in San Diego

Our customers span a range of industries from technology and retail to consumer products and oil and gas. In addition, Agility has three specialized business units: Defense & Government Services, Project Logistics, and Fairs & Events Logistics, each with dedicated teams to meet the complex customer requirements in these markets.

For more information about Agility, please visit www.agilitylogistics.com April 27, 2007

MicroClear® featured at WCO 2007 IT Conference in Mexico

Inspections & Control Services (ICS) participated in the recent WCO IT Conference & Exhibition held in Veracruz, Mexico from 25th to 27th April 2007. This event offered a unique opportunity for Customs officials, business representatives, government delegates and industry experts to provide insights into the latest developments in Customs and the business world. The topic for conference this year was "From the Old World to the New - IT Facilitates Transition?" Approximately 300 delegates from several Customs Administrations worldwide took part in this conference.

ICS, being a leading provider of world class Customs IT solutions, was one of the Platinum sponsors for the event showcasing our flagship product MicroClearÒ.

MicroClear® was featured at the WCO IT Conference & Exhibition for the past five years consecutively- WCO 2002 IT Symposium in Brussels, Belgium, WCO 2003 IT Conference in the Republic of South Africa, WCO 2004 IT Conference in Malaysia, WCO 2005 IT Conference in Turkey and WCO 2006 IT Conference in India.

2004 April 24, 2004

Tristar wins BP International Marine HSE Contractor Award - 2003

TRISTAR TRANSPORT a leading Bulk Liquid Road Transport company in the Middle East; has been declared the winner of the BP International Marine best Truck Contractor MAM (Mediterranean-Africa-Middle East) Asset Award for the year 2003.

This achievement is not only as a result of the company's environmental, health and safety performance but also a testimony and dedication to Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) issues, which are on par with International best practices.

“Everyday we live by the spirit of continuous improvement" said Tristar’s Chief Executive, Eugene Mayne upon announcing the award. “This achievement is not only as a result of the company's environmental, health and safety performance but also a testimony of Tristar’s commitment and dedication to Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) issues, which are on par with International best practices..” he added.

Operating to the highest industry standards, Tristar continually implements and improves best practices pertaining to the health and safety of customers, contractors and employees, also ensuring that the operations meet with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. This is further substantiated by its total quality programme, health and safety initiatives and active training programmes across all staff levels.

Tristar Transport was established in 1991 and within a short span, achieved leadership in the movement of bulk and packed petroleum products by road within UAE and the GCC. The company’s core business activity is the transportation of bulk and packed petrochemical products to end-users within the UAE and the other GCC countries, on behalf of a wide range of local regional and multinational companies. April 7, 2004

PWC Logistics wins World Bank-sponsored Customs Modernization (MicroClear®) tender for the Central Board of Revenue’s (Pakistan) Customs & Revenue Modernization Program

Washington DC, March 17, 2004: Under the auspices and supervision of the World Bank, the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) of the Government of Pakistan announced the selection of MicroClear as its platform of choice for the implementation of its comprehensive customs and revenue modernization program. As part of the CBR’s ambitious modernization program, PWC Logistics will supply, configure and implement MicroClear, a web based solution that benefits public and private sector stakeholders as well as the Government of Pakistan’s international trading partners.

The contract was tendered and awarded under the supervision of the World Bank. The CBR has approximately 80 ports with millions of transactions taking place annually and a multi-billion dollar annual revenue stream from customs and related VAT assessment. The CBR will initially implement MicroClear on the basis of a Pilot program. Upon successful completion of the Pilot, MicroClear is expected to provide the basis for the CBR’s proposed customs and revenue modernization program. March 24, 2004

PWC Logistics wins 'Best 3PL in the GCC region for 2004 - 05

The Awards Committee at the Global Institute of Logistics (GIL) has designated PWC Logistics as the recipient of its 'Best 3PL in GCC Region 2004-5' accreditation. The award comes on the heels of a detailed research and selection process into leading providers of supply chain and third party logistics (3PL) services in the region.

Presenting the award at a ceremony held in Dubai, Siobhan KellyLead Analyst of GIL said: “In PWC Logistics, we have found all of the key ingredients needed to succeed as a global 3PL. The company’s massive transactional experience, gained since its inception in 1979, together with intelligent investment in supply chain execution software have seen PWC Logistics gain the necessary experience needed to step out of its own backyard. The event was attended by several of PWC's clients and representatives from the Dubai Ports Authority.

"In pursuit of regional scalability, PWC Logistics has made excellent acquisitions, created key partnership agreements, and above all, added to what was already an enviable client list in double quick time - clearly making it the market leader in the region," she stated.

The comprehensive study conducted by the research department of GIL, spread over the last year, draws on a quality-ranking system based on responses provided by concerned parties within the global logistics end-users sector.

The purpose of the study was to set forth criteria and procedures for governing material flow in the sector, to highlight the unity of different functions in supply chain, and to establish which organisations played an ability to react most quickly to the changing face of logistics and make the most significant contribution to lean manufacture.

It also investigated the role played by logistics providers in developing outbound solutions for manufacturing, the components of their supply chain that ensure the smooth flow of goods, and value-added services and customer requirements. The outcome of the study saw PWC Logistics emerge as the unequivocal choice of the Awards Committee for the title of leader in the logistics sector in the GCC region.

In response to the announcement, PWC Logistics' UAE General Manager, Mike Lee, said “This is indeed a great commendation for PWC Logistics, and demonstrates that we have achieved significant success in the region. In a short span of five years, not only have we succeeded in educating customers about the benefits of outsourcing their logistics operations to a 3PL company, but have also managed to help them improve the quality of their supply chain, thereby saving them valuable time and money.

"This accreditation recognises PWC Logistics' outstanding contribution to logistics, and in particular, its commitment to the development of comprehensive and professional supply chain solutions. We have adopted a progressive strategy to accommodate the high demand driven nature of the local economy, for which warehouse space and inventory management is necessary and PWC Logistics has proven itself to be at the forefront in the advancement of the sector," Lee added.

About GIL:

The Global Institute of Logistics is the global forum for the Third Party Logistics (3PL) industry. The forum serves its members by providing the platform for discussion and debate on the issues affecting the third party logistics industry, both regionally and globally. Membership is drawn from the world's third party logistics community and is by invitation. Participants are organisations who have met the necessary standards for membership. The Institute promotes third party logistics to end-users through its circulation of regional and global reports.

About PWC Logistics:

PWC Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Public Warehousing Company (PWC) Group. The company endeavours to facilitate trade through innovative supply chain solutions and has a policy of continuous improvement of its services to both meet customer requirements and ensure customer satisfaction. PWC has a well-established network across the GCC region and its customer-focussed team has achieved the Quality Management Standards ISO 9001: 2000, ISO14001 and OHSAS 18000 certification across all operations. Services include transportation; warehouse and fleet management; inventory replenishment and order processing, and related solutions and value added services. PWC Logistics is currently listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange and has a shareholder base that comprises both private and public sector investors.

The Citation:

"In what can only be described as one of the world’s most progressive yet challenging markets, PWC Logistics has pursued a policy of providing first class third party logistics services since its privatisation in 1997. Clearly aware of the needs of its clients and indeed those of today’s ever-global brands to partner with 3PLs with a strong regional presence, PWC Logistics has embarked on an extensive expansion plan across the region.

Through a mixture of acquisition, joint venture and start up, the company’s policy has seen it emerge as the key name in the provision of GCC wide logistics services.

By its very nature the region is import driven and to that end PWC tailor their services to provide comprehensive warehousing and inventory management. This aspect of the company’s work is evidenced by the decision of the U.S Defence Logistics Agency to award PWC its contract for the supply of prime vendor food and non-food products to the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force operating in the regions of Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq.

In coming to its decision to accredit PWC with its Best 3PL in the G.C.C. award the institute’s Awards Committee is recognising the outstanding contribution that the company has made to the development of logistics in the region. In its review of the research departments appraisal, the Committee were left in no doubt as to PWC’s ambition to succeed on both regional and global terms an ambition we believe that is well founded and destined to succeed.

Supported by blue chip brands (including the U.S. government) clearly aware of the company’s extensive market knowledge and its ability to interpret and respond to the most challenging environments, PWC Logistics has been instrumental in opening new markets right through out the G.C.C. region.

That’s what the 3rd party logistics sector is all about - partnering with the best, being the best and bringing the best product into new and lucrative marketplaces.” March 3, 2004

PWC Group to feature MicroClear at WCO Conference in Malaysia

MicroClear, the global customs modernization & business intelligence standard, will be featured at the “World Customs Organization IT Symposium 2004” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PWC Logistics Chairman, Mr. Tarek Sultan, will deliver the opening address following Mr. Michel Danet, the Director General of the World Customs Organization.

MicroClear is the leading customs modernization platform globally offering tremendous benefits to all concerned stakeholders including but not limited to short implementation periods, flexible configurable workflows, risk management and business intelligence capabilities, unlimited scalability, as well as tremendous value and total cost of ownership benefits. MicroClear benefits from numerous patented and patent pending technologies and business methods.

MicroClear was previously featured at the WCO’s 2002 IT Symposium in Brussels, Belgium as well as the 2003 event in the Republic of South Africa. January 27, 2004

PWC Logistics launch state of the art logistics facility in Bahrain

PWC Logistics in partnership with Jawad Business Group recently launched a state of the art warehousing & distribution facility in Bahrain. The joint venture called PWC Logistics Bahrain BSC(c) is the first of its kind Logistics, Warehousing and Supply Chain Facility in Bahrain.

The inauguration took place at the hands of Dr. Hassan Abdulla Fakhro; Minister of Industry – Kingdom of Bahrain at PWC Logistics’ facility in Mameer Industrial Area and was followed by a high profile official reception & lunch at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Manama, Bahrain.

Located at Mameer Industrial Area (an area of 19,325 sq m) on land leased from the Ministry of Industry; the facility is equipped with the latest in storage technology that will maximize space utilization and operational efficiency. It includes Very Narrow Aisle High Bay Racking System and utilizes sophisticated material handling equipment to handle goods up to 14 meters storage height. It has a total racking storage capacity of 42,000 cubic meters, with 16,700 cubic meters allocated for frozen & chilled items and 26,000 cubic meters for dry / ambient items in an air conditioned environment.

This wholly integrated Logistics and Warehouse management facility offers world class features that include:

• A one-stop Supply Chain solution

• Full control of the inventory through the Internet

• Full online real time stock visibility

• Lower costs by paying for only what is used and converting company’s fixed logistics costs into a variable cost

• Online Delivery Instructions

• State of the art Warehouse Management System from EXE Technologies

• Online reports on stock history, balances and more

• Availability and retailers under one roof

The joint venture is a clear demonstration of the close relationship between Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as paves the way for providing seamless supply chain services in an environment where trade barriers are being eliminated.

The Jawad Business Group will be the first customer of PWC Global Logistics and will outsource its full warehousing and distribution requirements to the joint venture. In return Jawad Business Group will realize a state of the art logistics operation at a lower cost.

PWC Logistics Bahrain BSC(c) will serve the logistics needs of the local Bahraini and Eastern Saudi Province with its state of the art facilities. Through its operations in Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE and the rest of the region PWC Logistics is in a position to provide its diversifying customers, regional supply chain solutions with total visibility and control.

2003 November 18, 2003

PWC Logistics signs GCC- wide strategic partnership with Tristar Transport

UAE and Kuwait, November 2003 - PWC Logistics, a division of the Public Warehousing Company (PWC Group) has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Tristar Transport. The partnership which is the first of its kind in the GCC region, will enable PWC Logistics to extend its service operations to the petrochemical industry.

Mike Lee, General Manager PWC Logistics, and Eugene Mayne, Chief Executive of Tristar, expressed mutual appreciation of how the two companies would complement each other with their unique strengths and common quality business approach.

"Apart from strengthening the PWC Logistics portfolio, our partnership with Tristar will reinforce our position as the leading provider of high quality 'fluid logistics' and 'wet stock distribution' services with an excellent health and safety track record" said Mike Lee.

"PWC Logistics brings to us their vast experience in information technology, much needed technical support and expertise, and the capital investment required to develop and realise several untapped market opportunities," explained Mayne.

The PWC Logistics - Tristar alliance will also provide opportunities for maximum customer fulfillment potential, for regional companies in the construction and petrochemical industries. Mayne elaborated that these companies could now look forward to high-compliance road transport and related services, both at intra- and inter-country levels. The GCC-wide partnership comes into effect immediately.

Tristar Transport was formed in 1991, and within a short span, achieved leadership in the movement of bulk and packed petroleum products by road within UAE and the GCC. Awards and accolades won by the company include: Dubai Quality Appreciation Award – 2000; Shell Dubai Best Haulier Award – 2001, Air BP Middle East and South Asia Asset Award – 2002, Air BP Global Award for operational excellence - 2003, and ROSPA (UK) Gold Award – 2003. Tristar was also the first transport company in the ME to be certified for an Integrated Management System: ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:1996 and OHSAS 18001: 1999.

For further information, please contact:

Dubai

Iona Stanley,

PR Consultant: + 971 50 6954056,

istan@emirates.net.ae Kuwait

Barry Rodrigues, Corporate Communications: +965-676-5855, barry@pwclogistics.com October 28, 2003

National Aviation Services begin ground handling operations at Kuwait International Airport

National Aviation Services began its ground handling services on Monday, October 26, at Kuwait International Airport. Passengers were welcomed through Departure Terminal number 4 by NAS’s staff and top officials.

Bara’a Al-Roumi, NAS’s Managing Director said in a statement that “the company’s work has paved the way for the private sector to excel in the field of ground handling.” With NAS’s wide range of professional services and well-trained personnel, Al-Roumi expressed that the company “will aspire to reach high standards and to continue to provide clients with the best services possible.”

Along with its numerous ground-handling services, “the company has worked to provide a state-of-the-art storage area for cargo, as well as a large fleet of trucks, which are crucial assets in a country known as the portal to the Gulf region’s cargo operations,” Al-Roumi added.

National Aviation Services, which was founded this year, has prepared its departure terminal to offer the best services to first and business class passengers, Al-Roumi said, adding that a contract was signed recently with the Dutch carrier, KLM. The contract reflects the trust of airlines in NAS’s professional services. Negotiations are currently underway wit September 30, 2003

China Customs Chooses the MicroClear Customs Modernization & Decision Support Solution

PWC Logistics, a leading Supply Chain and Customs Modernization Solutions Provider, was recently awarded by China Customs, a 5 year contract for implementing various web service modules of the MicroClear Customs Modernization & Decision Support Solution.

MicroClear is an advanced customs solution that will facilitate the implementation of various multinational agreements including those associated with the WTO by China Customs.

One of the most innovative features of MicroClear emanates from various patented and patent pending innovations including those related to sophisticated decision support, risk management, and business intelligence technologies. MicroClear is capable of facilitating trade, commerce, and investment, while improving compliance and revenue collection within the customs community. The solutions’s flexibility enables it to be quickly implemented and easily customizable to the existing processes.

China Customs is one of the world's largest customs organizations with annual revenues approximately $US 30 billion and more than 400 main customs locations throughout the country.

For the second year in a row, Microclear will be featured at the annual World Customs Organization IT Symposium (Brussels 2002, Republic of South Africa 2003). September 30, 2003

PWC Logistics and SpL sign GCC-wide agreement

PWC Logistics UAE has been appointed by SpL Food Service, (a division of the Al Seer Group), to offer freight management and logistics support in the GCC region. The exclusive three-year agreement will bring in to play the ‘just-in time’ services provided by PWC Logistics, towards hotel fulfillment of housekeeping and food items.

PWC Logistics’ agreement with SpL includes procurement of specialized food items and housekeeping products for use by hotel trade; logistics services to cover freight, customs and clearance formalities; product care and preparation, and delivery. The agreement will currently serve the GCC markets of the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, and will be expanded as required. Commenting on the agreement, Jonathan Crouch, General Manager of SpL said, “We are committed to fulfilling and exceeding customer service requirements, an approach that is of vital importance in the hospitality industry. By creating a centralized order fulfillment centre, we will be able to provide real-time response to all our GCC-based customers and further, assist them in streamlining their delivery to various markets. We also expect a substantial reduction in shipment costs.”

“PWC Logistics mirrors our high standards for the best-in-class service and on time delivery and working in partnership with them will enable seamless, efficient and cost effective operations for both SpL and our customers” Crouch stated. “It is a commendable tribute to PWC Logistics that SpL has appointed us for freight management and logistics support within weeks of commencing our Dubai operations” said Mike Lee, General Manager of PWC Logistics UAE. “The just-in-time service agreement with SpL is an extension of our retail services currently on offer to the supermarket and hospitality industry sectors. With the backing of PWC Logistics’ global supply chain model and systems platform we aim to maximize SpL’s efforts in providing quality services to their customers in the region and make a significant impact in the growth of their business regionally” he added.

PWC Logistics is one of the largest and most sophisticated supply chain management companies in the region, providing solutions to a range of global companies, with an extensive, well-established network across the Middle East, a highly customer-focused team, and ISO 9001: 2000, ISO14001 and OHSAS 18000 certification across all operations. The company’s services include transportation; warehouse and fleet management; inventory replenishment & order processing, and related solutions & value added services.

Having recently started operations in Dubai, SpL offers a unique service “Total Supply Solution” for the purchase of food and other consumable products for the hotel and leisure industry. September 29, 2003

MicroClear to be featured at the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) IT Symposium 2003, Second Year in a Row

Microclear will be featured at the annual World Customs Organization IT Symposium in the Republic of South Africa 2003. PWC Logistics Chairman, Mr. Tarek Sultan, will deliver a keynote address following Mr. Michel Danet, the Director General of the World Customs Organization.

Microclear is the leading customs modernization platform globally offering tremendous benefits to all concerned stakeholders including but not limited to short implementation periods, flexible configurable workflows, risk management and business intelligence capabilities, unlimited scalability, as well as tremendous value and total cost of ownership benefits. Microclear benefits from numerous patented and patent pending technologies and business methods.

Microclear was previously featured at the WCO’s 2002 IT Symposium in Brussels, Belgium. September 10, 2003

PWC Logistics secures international IMS certification

Integrated Management Systems combines quality, environment, health and safety standards

PWC Logistics UAE (PWCL) has been awarded the highly coveted 'Integrated Management Systems' certification for the successful assimilation of their existing management systems for quality, environment soundness, health and safety standards.

Certified by Moody International, PWC joins the ranks of select companies in the region, and is the only logistics company in the Middle East to win this distinction.

The Integrated Management System (IMS) certification was officially conferred on a PWCL team spearheaded by the company’s general manager, Mike Lee, who was accompanied by Sandra Baretto, team leader-Quality Systems, Francis Fernandes, team leader-Warehouse Operations and Grenville D’Mello, team leader-Facility Services, also of PWCL

Edward Blake, Regional General Manager of international assessing firm, Moody International Certification Ltd., who presented the new credentials, congratulated the PWCL team and applauded the company's efforts towards gaining this praiseworthy accreditation. "It is a very significant milestone in their brief history, and also a shining example that they have earned this distinction within months of launching operations in the UAE. Demonstrating good management practices is of paramount importance to any company providing supply chain services, and the IMS is an excellent way to demonstrate strengths in all areas of operations.

"PWC Logistics is among the earliest companies in the region to adopt and qualify for these international standards, and it ranks high as a commendable corporate achievement," he stated. Receiving the certificate on behalf of PWC Logistics, Mike Lee attributed the win to the organisation's dedication to all four areas that were deemed as qualifiers for the accreditation: quality consciousness, environment soundness, health and safety standards.

"It speaks of our commitment that we have been able to sustain and strengthen the ISO 9001: 2000, the ISO 14001 and the OHSAS 18001 standards, which are evaluated on a regular basis," he stated. (The Integrated Management Systems certification combines all three earlier titles.)

Describing the certifying process, Edward Blake explained, "The IMS certifying process is not an overnight task, and it involves steadfast dedication from the companies qualifying for it. A thorough assessment was conducted over the last six months, to identify and assess PWCL's processes and management programmes. We will also continue to monitor and measure the effectiveness of continual improvement at the company," he added.

The official IMS certification has several highlights: Combining quality, environmental and health and safety management systems into one integrated system helps in cost and time reductions, and improve the overall effectiveness of the system. It also enhances competitiveness and differentiates a company in a highly competitive marketplace by adhering to world-class management standards.

"The IMS Certification is a declaration of our commitment to our valued customers," adds Lee. "We are the first supply chain company to achieve this new all-encompassing certification, and we are assured that our entire operation is managed towards meeting the requirements of our customers.” May 31, 2003

PWC Logistics Wins Exclusive Prime Vendor Contract

Admiral Lippert, Director, Defense Logistics Agency, with Mr. Tarek Sultan, Chairman of PWC, and Mr. Toby Switzer, General Managerof Organizational Development.

The Public Warehousing Company KSC (PWC Logistics) has been awarded an exclusive five year (2 years plus 3 years option) contract by the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (Defense Logistics Agency) for the supply of prime vendor food and non-food products to the US Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force operating in the regions of Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq. Although the minimum annual value of the contract is $US 22,391,904 per year, the value of the contract is expected to substantially exceed the contractual minimums due to the fact that force levels have increased by 2000% -3000% as a result of the current military presence in the region. The execution of the contract will leverage PWC’s technology and global logistics capabilities with work being performed at various facilities in the USA, Qatar, Kuwait, Dubai, and Iraq. The Sultan Center Food Products Co. KSC is also expected to be a primary service provider through its involvement as a supplier of market ready goods and other services. May 17, 2003

PWC and MMI announce logistics agreement

Public Warehousing Company (PWC) has announced an agreement with Dubai-based Maritime and Mercantile International LLC (MMI), to acquire certain assets of MMI Logistics. This also signals the start of a strategic relationship for the two companies, whereby PWC will provide logistics services to the MMI group.

In a joint statement, Tarek Sultan, Chairman and Managing Director of the PWC Group, and Kerem Camcigil, CEO of MMI, said that the two companies could integrate perfectly, due to their common corporate cultures.

Tarek Sultan elaborated that the move was part of PWC's active strategic expansion plans in the region. "This alliance has been prompted by our desire to offer both current and prospective customers the advantages and economies of scale associated with an integrated ‘one-stop shop’ global logistics platform, with substantial resources throughout the Middle East.

"This move not merely leverages PWC's strong regional presence in logistics operations and related solutions, but provides us with the opportunity to strengthen our current client relationships and further, expand offerings to include third party customers currently using the MMI Logistics facilities at Jebel Ali. Our synergies with MMI will undoubtedly allow us to rapidly expand operations in the region," he stated.

Kerem Camcigil said that, “MMI is delighted to be working with PWC in the creation of an integrated regional logistics platform, combining the strengths of each company into a more competitive, truly regional force. While the agreement will provide enhanced regional logistics services to its client base, logistics will remain a core competency of MMI and an integral part of our service offer and management responsibility to our partners and suppliers." He added: "The agreement with PWC will allow MMI to focus more resources on developing our corporate strategy.”

MMI's customer's include Philips, Epson, Ferrero, Highland Spring, Reckitt Benckiser, Baskin Robbins, GlaxoSmithKline, Carrefour, the Hilton, Spinneys & Dubai Duty Free to name a few.

Sultan also announced the appointment of Mike Lee (former Head of MMI Logistics) as the general manager of PWC Logistics in the UAE.

Mike Lee said that he was delighted to continue as the chief point of contact for all existing MMI Logistics customers, and to take on the role of expanding the business. "PWC has made significant expansions throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon over the past few months, and this entry into the UAE is an important foothold for the Group in gaining market leadership in the region."

Lee also affirmed the company's intention to service all existing clients of MMI Logistics under their existing contracts and agreements, stressing that the combination provided substantial value-add to the customers of both groups, through the creation of a common logistics platform with regional synergy. According to Lee, "This is a great opportunity for our customers to expand their value propositions to existing customer, supplier, and stakeholder relationships." February 3, 2003

Public Institution for Social Security announces its stake in the Public Warehousing Company KSC

In compliance with public disclosure laws for publicly-traded companies, the Public Institution for Social Security, the $US 10 billion pension arm of the citizens of Kuwait, announced that it owns 9.33 % of the total outstanding common equity shares of the Public Warehousing Company KSC.

The Public Warehousing Company (PWC) Group was established in 1979 and provides leading edge supply chain, e-commerce, customs, price research and decision support solutions to private and public sector entities worldwide. PWC is publicly traded and is currently listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) with a market capitalization of around 1 Billion US Dollars.

In addition to it substantial logistics operations, PWC has a controlling interest in Inspection & Control Services Company (ICS), the world’s leading provider of destination customs and price research solutions.

Representative customers and/or partners of the PWC Group include McDonalds, Nestle, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle, HP/Compaq, Exe Technologies, The Governments of Dubai, Argentina, and the United States of America. PWC was privatised in June of 1997 and has a shareholding base comprising approximately 20,000 investors, including prominent private and public sector investors such as the National Real Estate Company (owners of the Free Trade Zone Concession) and the Public Institution for Social Security. January 14, 2003

Bolero.net (Bolero Middle East & North Africa) and Inspection & Control Services (ICS) Strike a Strategic Partnership

Through a mutually beneficial strategic partnership with Bolero.net, ICS provides its public sector customs access to a cost-free document authentication, verification, and certification service (certificate of origins, manifest information, declarations, etc.).

The partnership provides for a validated, global, cross-industry solution that allows all parties in a trade chain to interact seamlessly with each other by automating their information exchange, all within a secure environment. The objective of the partnership is to enable users to take full advantage of electronic commerce by providing a set of standard electronic documents that will facilitate interoperability amongst the members of the community.

ICS’s MicroClear system is a comprehensive and integrated customs modernization, control, and advanced decision support system that provides a rich and extensible foundation for building sophisticated customs clearance applications that integrate with existing back-end systems. Because MicroClear architecture is based on the Microsoft .NET Framework, it is easy to extend the platform by choosing from the large number of integrated third-party solutions available, or by having developers customize MicroClear tools to meet business needs.

The integration of ICS’s customs modernization solution onto a Bolero.Net platform will provide several key benefits to MicroClear users (traders, brokers, carrier agents, shipping agents, inspectors, auditors and other governmental bodies accessing the system).

Through the partnership, users of MicroClear can take full advantage of electronic data exchange through a set of simplified technology-independent electronic trade documents, founded upon a common business model. Also, small and medium size traders can benefit from services previously available to large EDI-dependent companies, at substantially lower costs. As the number of authenticated electronic transactions improves, customs processes also benefit from additional accuracy, shorter delays, and greater conformance. Furthermore, Importers/Exporters are able to send and receive authenticated and approved documents electronically without the time delays and costs associated with courier services. Furthermore, clearance times and associated demurrage charges can be reduced substantially.

The partnership also provides a secure legal foundation for online transactions as the latest encryption technology is leveraged to validate messages and a rigorous registration procedure acts as the gatekeeper for prospective members of the electronic community. The partnership improves the security of commercial dealings relative to paper-based processes as the solution is operated by S.W.I.F.T, an organization that sets the gold standard for operational integrity. Standards are vital to the exchange of information among parties. Documents and data flow seamlessly only when all parties consistently use the same terminology and framework. The fluidity of transactions, more precisely, the submittal of customs clearance documentation, thereafter results in larger revenues in terms of cost and time savings.

The main objective of the MicroClear/Bolero.net partnership is to eliminate the need for bilateral data interchange agreements that describe the structure and contents of electronic data being exchanged between two parties and to ensure the validity of these documents (for example: between a trader and the customs department). This will be achieved by providing a set of common standards that can be applied multilaterally. More precisely, MicroClear/ Bolero.net will be pioneers in getting rid of these inefficiencies by moving global customs clearance transactions onto the Internet, allowing documents and data to be exchanged online between trading communities and other external bodies/ entities that interact with customs and excise departments worldwide.

2002 December 9, 2002

PWC attains ISO 9001:2000 Certification

In keeping with a continuing focus on providing Quality service to its customers, The Public Warehousing Company (PWC) made the transition from ISO 9002:1994 to the new Quality Management Standard – ISO 9001:2000. PWC was formally presented with their certification for: “The provision of Third Party Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Overland Transport, Property Management, Property Development, Warehouse Management, Freezer & Chiller Facilities, Bonded Warehousing and Distribution, Customs Management, Modernization and Inspection.”

Lloyds Register Quality Assurance( LRQA) Lead Assessor, Mr. Sunil Sharma audited the PWC Quality System and found the company’s practices to be in compliance with the international Quality standard, which resulted in the award of ISO 9001:2000 certification.

The transition certification was achieved in a short span of time and reflects the maturity and dynamic nature of the existing Quality System as well as the professionalism and customer focus exhibited by its staff. It is recognition well deserved and PWC thanks its Staff and customers for making this possible. November 13, 2002

PWC wins Airport Ground & Cargo Handling contract at Kuwait International Airport

The Public Warehousing Company, a leading provider of supply chain and logistics services in partnership with Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) one of the leading airport handling companies in the Gulf which is recognized for its high levels of service in the region, recently won a long term contract for ground and cargo handling at the Kuwait International Airport.

Keeping in mind the diverse and increasing amount of traffic at the Kuwait International Airport it is necessary for the Department of Civil Aviation to provide airlines and passengers with top class facilities. As one of the trendsetters in the logistics industry in the region, PWC has always strived to achieve & maintain high standards of service & operations. The award of this contract to PWC and BAS highlights the partnership’s ability to provide high quality services to its customers.

Through this contract PWC/BAS’s Ground Handling Team will deliver a host of services ranging from Traffic Services, Transfer Desk, Load Control, ULD Management, VIP Lounge, Aircraft Waste Disposal, Cargo Terminal & other services.

PWC/BAS will provide these services with an aim to provide high quality services to aircrafts and passengers using Kuwait International Airport. October 22, 2002

Arabian Business e-Achievement Awards 2002 Winners

The Arabian Business eAchievement Awards, hosted by Dubai Internet City and Dubai World Trade Centre, recognised and honoured eight winners from around the Middle East’s business and technology community for their outstanding contributions to the IT industry.

eBusinessman of the Year

2001 November 12, 2001

PWC and Nestle Sign a Long Term Warehousing and Distribution Agreement

The Public Warehousing Company and Nestle announced the signing of a long term warehousing leasing agreement. The deal is for PWC to design, build, equip and lease to Nestle, a modern logistics center that caters to their ever-growing logistics and business needs.

From its new base, Nestle will be able to realize a more efficient operation where it will consolidate all of its warehousing and distribution requirements under one roof. Furthermore, Nestle will be able to leverage the existence of a large section of its customers at PWC’s facility to lower its distribution costs.

By being in the same compound with its customers, Nestle will minimize handling and distribution costs. Furthermore, by consolidating its warehouses and locating at near its customer base, Nestle will further reduce the probability of exposing its products to the harsh weather climate in the region, which ultimately ensures the quality of their products.

“The decision to choose PWC was a very easy decision given all the benefits we will realize at PWC,” explained Laurent Therond, General Manager of Nestle (Kuwait). “We considered several options but decided to go with PWC given their long experience in managing similar projects,” continued Mr. Therond.

By choosing PWC, Nestle will not only be able to cover a larger area in a matter of minutes thanks to PWC’s strategic location but will also save on warehousing & distribution costs. Through this strategic partnership, PWC has added to its growing list of multinational clients. October 15, 2001

PWC unveils MicroClear, the world's first customs' solution on Microsoft's .NET Platform

1999 December 26, 1999

PWC Global Logistics achieves ISO9001:1994 certification

On the 24th December 1999 PWC Global Logistics received formal notification from EQA (UK) that Global Logistics has been awarded ISO9001: 1994 certification, certificate number 986.

PWC Global Logistics has also been confirmed as the first Logistics provider in the World to have successfully integrated not only ISO 9001 with the Environmental Management System (ISO14001: 1996); but also with the new revised standard of 9001/2000-1998.

PWC Global Logistics has determined to demonstrate its capability to meet customer requirements. The Quality Management System provides an internationally recognized certification of a commitment to Service Delivery through the means of clearly defined and structured documentation, and business processes. The validation processes allow for direct feedback from our customers during the logistics process of Service Delivery, as a means to determine how well their needs are being met and also to identify opportunities for us as a company to implement improvements and to continuously develop our levels of service in the market place for the benefit of all of our current and future customers.

A formal presentation of the ISO Certificate will be at PWC Headquarters in the last week of January 2000.

PWC hopes to announce the achievement of ISO 9001:1994, for its’ Corporate Head, by the second quarter of this year. This is part of PWC’s plan for international recognition of its high levels of commercial achievement and service delivery. September 4, 1999

PWC acquires a customs services company

Press Release: PWC has added a new member to its supply chain management services by acquiring Inspection and Control Services, Ltd.

Kuwait - Public Warehousing Company KSC (PWC) has added a new member to its supply chain management services by acquiring a 51% stake in Inspection and Control Services, Ltd. (ICS), a UK-based company. The total value of the management buy-out was approximately $US 25 Million. Citibank served as the exclusive financial advisors to PWC.

The ICS Group has 50 offices worldwide. The ICS Group assists governments in improving their collection of customs duties while improving the speed, efficiency, and transparency of customs-related processes for importers. ICS provides price-verification, inspection, auditing and other customs focused value-added services that produce substantial income for its clients. Historically, ICS has provided its services to governments that are interested in improving customs-related revenues and processes. ICS’s management believes that the prospects for broadening its services has been enhanced significantly by the fiscal difficulties currently faced by many developing and/or transitional economies throughout the world. In this regard, ICS estimates that the developing countries represent a market for its services that is well in excess of $300 million per year. Furthermore, as ICS broadens its product and service offering to developed countries and private industry, it would be addressing a market in excess of seven billion dollars per year.

ICS performs a variety of unique services designed to assist its government clients to increase their revenue from custom duties. These services are focused on the identification of under invoicing and under-declaration of quantity in a manner that is fair, transparent, and acceptable to importers. In order to achieve its objectives, ICS relies on in-country physical inspection as well as a proprietary real-time internet-based computer model/database to analyze a wide variety of variables including types of goods being shipped, identity of importer, size of shipments, frequency of shipments, value of shipments, country of origin, as well as other factors that tend to indicate a possibility of under-invoicing or under-declaration.