Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 59 | Page 10

NEWS

UAE calls for Public Private Partnerships to boost the country ’ s industrial development

Chalhoub Group embarks on Digital Transformation to enhance e-commerce experiences

The UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology , HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber , held his first meeting with the members of the Industrial Co-ordination Council ( ICC ), outlining the leadership ’ s vision to advance the nation ’ s industrial sector and the critical role the ICC will play in supporting the Ministry ’ s mandate .

HE Dr Al Jaber , who was joined in the virtual meeting by HE Sarah Al Amiri , Minister of State for Advanced Technology , committed to working with the ICC and directly with the private sector , in particular to increase the UAE ’ s in-country value by nurturing the SME sector and creating sustainable jobs .
For the first time , the ICC meeting also included key members from the UAE private sector , who engaged with the group on their views on how to enhance current regulatory and policy challenges in order to empower industrial sector growth and sustainability in the UAE .
Dr Al Jaber said : “ We have a formidable opportunity ahead to realise the ambitions of our leadership , play a pivotal role in the future of our national economy and achieve the three national priorities set forth which include empowering national industrial development , ensuring in-country value and raising the competitiveness of our industries .
“ A key enabler for success will be an active engagement with both the public and private sector to ensure regulatory and legislative frameworks are optimal .”
Kristof Lukovich , Head of Digital , Beauty Vertical , Chalhoub Group

UAE-based luxury retailer Chalhoub

Group has announced a Digital Transformation agreement with Salesforce , a global provider of customer relationship management ( CRM ) solutions , to enhance customer e-commerce experiences amid the COVID-19 Coronavirus . The Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) and Egypt ’ s beauty and personal care e-commerce market is valued at US $ 1 billion , according to Bain & Company .
In anticipation of its growth and to meet customers ’ shift to e-commerce amid the COVID-19 pandemic , Chalhoub Group has accelerated its Digital Transformation to meet customer needs and to deliver on e-commerce expectations . Chalhoub Group has more than 125 companies , partners and affiliates , and 600 retail stores across 14 countries . This year , Chalhoub Group has already launched digital commerce experiences for brands like Make Up For Ever , Yves Saint Lauren ( YSL ) and Swarovski .
Working with channel partners Changi Consulting and Emakina , Chalhoub Group has continued its Digital Transformation by adopting the Salesforce Commerce Cloud , Marketing Cloud and Service Cloud to drive e-commerce and personalise customer journeys across chat , email , social media and WhatsApp .
“ As the Middle East ’ s e-commerce market reaches record highs , Digital Transformation is a necessity for retailers to rapidly adapt to the COVID-19 era ,” said Kristof Lukovich , Head of Digital , Beauty Vertical , Chalhoub Group .
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