Category Archives: Business

Stronger Won Signals New Business Shift for South Korean Companies

Seoul, Sep 4: South Korea’s strengthening currency is creating a mixed business environment, offering relief to importers and companies dependent on overseas inputs while putting pressure on exporters as the won climbs to its strongest level in more than a year.

The won closed at around 1,350.4 per US dollar on Friday, its strongest level in 14 months, after falling into the 1,340-won range during intraday trading. The currency has gained significantly from its recent lows as the dollar weakened and market expectations around US interest rates shifted.

For Korean businesses that import raw materials, energy and equipment, a stronger won can reduce the local-currency cost of overseas purchases. This could provide some relief to companies facing higher input costs and help improve margins if the currency remains firm.

Export-oriented companies, however, face a different challenge. A stronger won can make Korean products relatively more expensive in overseas markets and reduce the value of foreign earnings when they are converted back into the local currency. This is particularly important for major exporters in sectors such as electronics, automobiles and machinery.

At the same time, South Korea’s technology sector continues to benefit from strong global demand. The country’s recent export performance has been led by semiconductors, with demand linked to artificial intelligence providing significant support to chipmakers and the wider technology supply chain.

Investor confidence has also improved. The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.64% to 6,687.21 on Friday, while foreign investors remained active buyers of Korean equities. Semiconductor companies were among the major beneficiaries of the improved market sentiment.

The currency’s gains also come against the backdrop of substantial foreign-exchange activity linked to SK Hynix. South Korean authorities reportedly purchased about $20 billion of dollars repatriated by the chipmaker following its US listing, highlighting the scale of capital flows influencing the won.

For businesses, the direction of the won will therefore remain important in the coming months. A stable currency could support import costs and business confidence, while a rapid appreciation could become a concern for exporters competing in global markets.

With semiconductor demand remaining strong and foreign investment flowing into Korean assets, the stronger won is emerging as an important factor for corporate earnings, trade competitiveness and investment decisions across South Korea.

CII-IGBC’s Green Synergy Noida 2026 Champions Climate Resilience and Water Security

Noida, Sep 4: The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), organized the 2nd edition of Green Synergy Noida 2026, Noida, bringing together government, real estate, infrastructure, industry and sustainability leaders to deliberate on the future of climate-resilient, resource-efficient and low-carbon development.

Currently, in India we have 20,012 registered green building projects covering more than 16.33 billion sq. ft., across IGBC’s 33 Green and Net Zero rating systems. The movement spans approximately 41 lakh residential dwelling units, 11,770+ commercial projects, 1,320+ transit infrastructure projects, 985+ industrial buildings, 271 Net Zero projects and 190+ built environment projects. 

Under the theme ‘Future-Ready Built Environment: Client Risk, Resilience & Business Value’, the programme focused on climate resilience, water security, high-performance buildings and the adoption of low-carbon construction materials. The discussions highlighted the need to integrate resilience and resource efficiency into the planning, design, development and operation of buildings and infrastructure. 

Mr. K D Singh, Chairman, IGBC Noida Chapter and Managing Director, Aircon Engineers Pvt. Ltd, said:

 “Climate resilience is no longer an option but an imperative for the future of our cities and built environment. As Noida continues to evolve as a leading hub for real estate and infrastructure, we must ensure that growth is supported by resource-efficient, resilient and future-ready development. Green Synergy Noida 2026 provides an important platform for government and industry to collaborate, exchange best practices and translate sustainability ambitions into actionable solutions.”

Mr. Nikhil Hawelia, Co Chairman, IGBC Noida Chapter and Managing Director, Hawelia Group, spoke on reimagining real estate by moving from sustainability towards resilience. “The real estate sector must now move beyond the question of whether a building is green to asking whether it is truly resilient and future-ready. With climate risks, water stress and extreme weather events increasingly shaping urban development, resilience must become an integral part of how we design, build and operate our assets. This is not simply a cost or compliance consideration—it is an investment in risk reduction, long-term asset value and customer trust. The developers who embrace resilience today will be the market leaders of tomorrow.”

The inaugural session, ‘Building a Future-Ready Built Environment: The New Imperative for Climate Resilience’, featured perspectives from government and industry. The inaugural session had a special address by Mr. Dinesh Gupta, President, CREDAI Western U.P & Managing Director, Samriddhi Group, said, “Climate resilience is fast becoming a defining factor for the future of real estate in NCR. With the region witnessing unprecedented growth, our responsibility is to ensure that the buildings and communities we create today remain efficient, resilient and valuable for decades to come. Sustainability is no longer a premium feature but a basic market expectation, and the way forward is to mainstream climate-resilient practices across every stage of development. At CREDAI Western UP, we believe that resilience is not a cost centre but a value-creation strategy that can strengthen both business performance and quality of life.” 

Mr. Rohit Puri, Convenor, CII Western Uttar Pradesh – Government Affairs Panel and Director, APPL Packaging, said,

 “Western Uttar Pradesh stands at the forefront of India’s next phase of economic growth, driven by world-class infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics and urban development. As the region scales new heights, competitiveness will increasingly depend on how effectively we manage climate risks, strengthen resource security and build resilience into every aspect of development. Sustainability is no longer merely an environmental consideration, it is a growth strategy that enhances productivity, attracts investment and secures long-term economic prosperity.”

A leadership panel on ‘Climate Risk, Water Security & Asset Value: Building Future-Ready Real Estate and Infrastructure’ examined how climate risk and water security were influencing investment decisions, urban planning and long-term asset performance. The panel featured Mr. Dharmendra Kumar Kamra, Former Member, Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India; Mr. Pankaj Varshney, Omaxe Group; Mr. Atul Saxena, Pacific Group; Gaurs Group; Mr. Mukund Kumar, Brookfield India Real Estate Trust; and Mr. Keshav Singhal, Noida International Airport. 

The technical session, ‘Designing Buildings That Perform Under Climate Stress’, showcased solutions for improving building performance, occupant comfort and long-term resilience. Mr. Karanvir Singh, Saint-Gobain India, spoke on next-generation glass technology; Mr. Mohit Agarwal, Vinayak Industries, discussed high-performance reflective materials for net-zero buildings; and Mr. Ankit Magan, Retas Enviro Solutions Pvt Ltd, highlighted smart rainwater systems for water-positive infrastructure. 

The programme also featured a special stakeholder consultation on ‘Accelerating the Acceptance of Low-Carbon Cement in India’s Built Environment’. The session examined the benefits, applications, market potential and life-cycle performance of low-carbon cement, with contributions from Ms. Shashikala Agrawal and Mr. Fattesinh Gaikwad of CII Green Business Centre. 

The concluding stakeholder panel examined the technical, economic, market, regulatory and procurement barriers to low-carbon cement adoption. It featured Mr. Pankaj Khanna, Development Alternatives; Mr. Rajiv Sadavarti, Shree Cement; Mr. Ashish K Jain, AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP; Mr. Sunil Kumar, Heidelberg Cement; and Ar Rahul Tyagi, Architects Association Noida, under the chairmanship of Mr. Sandeep Tandon, Anusandhan National Research Foundation. 

Mr. Nilesh Kumar Rana, Deputy Director, CII—IGBC and Mr. Punit Agarwal, Senior Counsellor, CII—IGBC, set the context on climate resilience through

The event concluded with stakeholder consultations on barriers, opportunities and the way forward, reinforcing the importance of government-industry collaboration, climate resilience, water security and low-carbon construction in shaping a future-ready built environment for NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh. 

El Nino Raises Fresh Concerns as India Braces for Weak September Rains

New Delhi, Sep 4: India’s monsoon outlook has come under renewed pressure as strengthening El Nino conditions coincide with expectations of below-normal rainfall in September, raising concerns for agriculture, water resources and the broader rural economy.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast September rainfall at less than 91 per cent of the long-period average. The projection follows a weak August, when rainfall across the country was 16 per cent below normal.

The developing weather pattern is particularly important because September is a crucial month for crops that were sown during the southwest monsoon. Reduced rainfall at this stage could affect crops such as cotton, soybean, maize and pulses, while lower soil moisture may also create difficulties for farmers preparing to sow winter crops.

El Nino is adding to the uncertainty. The weather phenomenon, marked by warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, can disrupt global weather patterns and is often associated with drier conditions across parts of Asia. The IMD has indicated that El Nino conditions have strengthened and could influence the final phase of this year’s monsoon.

The implications extend beyond the farm sector. The monsoon supplies a large share of India’s annual rainfall and plays an important role in replenishing reservoirs, rivers and groundwater. With a significant portion of Indian agriculture still dependent on rainfall, a prolonged shortfall can affect farm incomes, food production and rural demand.

Lower rainfall could also put pressure on water availability in areas already experiencing deficient precipitation. Reservoir levels, irrigation requirements and drinking-water supplies could become more important concerns if the dry conditions persist.

The agricultural impact may be particularly significant because crops affected by August’s rainfall deficit are entering important stages of development. A further shortage of rain could increase the risk of lower yields, while insufficient soil moisture could complicate the planting of wheat, chickpea and rapeseed later in the year.

The weather outlook also comes against the backdrop of an unusually hot August. India recorded its warmest August since 1901, with the national mean temperature reaching 28.01 degrees Celsius, while rainfall during the month was among the lowest recorded since 2001.

For policymakers, the immediate focus will be on monitoring rainfall distribution rather than looking only at the national average. Rainfall can vary sharply between regions, and the impact on crops and water availability depends heavily on where and when the rain falls.

The possibility of a weaker September therefore adds another layer of uncertainty to India’s monsoon season. While it does not automatically point to a severe drought, continued rainfall shortages combined with strengthening El Nino conditions could increase pressure on agriculture, water management and rural economic activity.

With the monsoon entering its final stretch, the coming weeks will be critical. For farmers, reservoirs and policymakers alike, every spell of rainfall could make a significant difference to how India closes the 2026 monsoon season.

Goyal Pushes Nationwide FTA Drive to Take Indian Exports to Global Markets

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called for a nationwide campaign to ensure that Indian businesses make greater use of the country’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Speaking at a national workshop on leveraging FTAs in New Delhi, Goyal said the benefits of preferential market access must reach businesses at the grassroots, including MSMEs, startups, traders, first-time exporters and women entrepreneurs across all 780 districts. He said wider FTA utilisation would be critical to expanding India’s global trade footprint and supporting the country’s long-term ambition of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

The Minister pointed to India’s recent economic performance, including 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter, as evidence of the economy’s resilience amid global uncertainty. He said India’s nine existing FTAs cover economies accounting for around $60 trillion in GDP and offer preferential access to nearly two-thirds of global trade. With additional agreements and market-access initiatives under consideration, India could gain preferential access to about 75% of global trade at more competitive tariff rates, he said. Goyal stressed that the effectiveness of an FTA should ultimately be judged by how Indian exporters fare against competitors in the same markets.

India is targeting $1 trillion in exports this year, with exports touching nearly $317 billion during the first four months, up from about $280 billion in the same period last year. Goyal said sectors ranging from textiles and engineering to electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agriculture, marine products, gems and jewellery and leather have significant potential in international markets. He also called for stronger institutional support to help exporters overcome challenges related to standards, sanitary and technical requirements, regulatory approvals and logistics. The government, he said, must particularly ensure that smaller exporters are not left behind as new trade opportunities emerge.

Goyal also outlined a last-mile strategy to convert FTAs into actual export growth. States have been asked to identify products and clusters where FTA benefits are already visible as well as areas where opportunities remain untapped. He urged Export Promotion Councils and industry associations to expand their outreach to smaller businesses, provide information in local languages and bring more exporters into international trade delegations. The workshop also examined the Export Promotion Mission and Districts as Export Hubs, with state-level discussions focused on export clusters, barriers to FTA utilisation and required government support. The Centre said the broader effort aims to deepen Centre-State coordination and ensure the country’s trade agreements translate into jobs, foreign exchange earnings, and wider participation in global commerce.

From Tap to Takeoff: Axis Bank and Scapia Launch Co-Branded Credit Card for India’s New Generation of Travellers

Bangalore, Sep 04: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, and Scapia, India’s travel fintech, unveiled the Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card, designed for India’s new generation of travellers who see every spend as a step towards their next journey. The card brings payments, rewards and travel together on one connected app – letting customers manage and track spends, book travel and redeem rewards, all through Scapia. Every eligible spend and UPI transaction earns rewards, which are redeemable across flights, stays, experiences, shopping and more. Available on both Mastercard and RuPay networks, the card delivers a seamless digital experience from tap to takeoff for all spends.

The partnership brings together Axis Bank’s leadership in cards and payments and Scapia’s travel-first platform to create a differentiated proposition for digitally savvy travellers. The collaboration is designed to seamlessly integrate payments, rewards and travel, delivering an experience that is more intuitive, relevant and rewarding.

Arnika Dixit, Group Head – Cards, Payments and Wealth Management, Axis Bank, said,

“Our partnership with Scapia reflects a shared focus on building products that are simple, digital-first, and closely aligned with how customers experience travel today. By combining our capabilities in payments with Scapia’s travel ecosystem, we aim to create a more connected experience that goes beyond traditional co-branded offerings and delivers meaningful value across the customer journey. This collaboration is centred around making travel more intuitive and seamless for customers, with solutions that are better integrated into how they discover, plan, and experience their journeys—enabling greater convenience, flexibility, and value at every step.”

Anil Goteti, Founder and CEO, Scapia, said,

 “We are excited to partner with Axis Bank – this is a new chapter for us. Young Indians are travelling more than ever before, and we built Scapia to give them a financial product that matches that ambition. One app where they can spend, book their trips, shop for travel and earn rewards, all designed around the traveller. Our users have already taken Scapia to over 175 countries, and together with Axis Bank, we can now bring this to more Indians across the country.”

Cardholders can earn up to 10% rewards on eligible everyday spends and upto 20% rewards in the form of Scapia Coins on eligible travel bookings redeemable across flights, stays, visas, experiences, and more on the Scapia platform. Beyond rewards, the Scapia app enables customers to discover, plan and book their trips, while its curated travel store brings together the brands and products travellers love, all in one place.

For international travellers, the card offers zero forex markup and Smart Forex capability that provide greater visibility and control on overseas spends. Cardholders can also enjoy a range of airport privileges across lounges, dining and premium retail. Complementing these benefits are fully digital onboarding and card management through the Scapia app..

Gautam Aggarwal, President, India & South Asia, Mastercard, said,

“Travel has become one of the most vibrant segments of India’s consumer economy, fuelled by rising aspirations, greater mobility, and stronger global connectivity. As travellers increasingly seek payment experiences that are seamless, secure, and globally accepted, collaborations such as this one become critical. Together with Axis Bank and Scapia, we are enabling a smarter travel payments experience that delivers greater convenience and confidence, helping consumers transact effortlessly wherever their journeys take them.”

Sohini Rajola, Executive Director Growth, NPCI said,

“RuPay has played a key role in driving the adoption of digital payments across India by making transactions simple, convenient, and accessible for consumers. Today, cardholders can link their RuPay Credit Card to their preferred UPI app and make seamless payments by simply scanning UPI QR codes across millions of merchants across the country. This partnership builds on that convenience by combining premium travel benefits with the reliability and widespread acceptance of the RuPay network, making travel rewards and experiences more accessible to a wider set of consumers.”

The collaboration reflects a shared belief that the future of financial services lies in seamlessly embedding payments into the experiences customers value most. For Axis Bank, the partnership strengthens its co-branded cards strategy and deepens its presence in high-growth travel and digital-first segments. For Scapia, it marks its third banking collaboration and a significant milestone in expanding its platform to a wider base of Indian travellers.

Onboarding for the Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card begins September 3rd onwards.

Bybit Pay Partners with Mesh to Expand Digital Asset Payments Across Mesh-Powered Platforms

National, September 3, 2026 — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, today announced a partnership with Mesh, the leading crypto payments network, enabling Bybit’s 80 million users to use their Bybit balances to fund accounts and make payments across Mesh-powered platforms through Bybit Pay.

The integration removes the need for users to withdraw funds, manually convert assets, or move money between platforms before making a payment. When a Bybit user goes to top up an account or check out on a Mesh-powered platform, they can select Bybit Pay as a payment option and access the assets they already hold on Bybit. For businesses, the integration provides a direct connection to Bybit’s global user base and enables them to accept payments from Bybit users through their existing Mesh integration.

As digital assets and stablecoins become increasingly integrated into everyday commerce, the ability to move value between the platforms where it is held and where it is needed is becoming an important part of payment infrastructure. For Mesh’s customers, the partnership expands their access to one of the largest and most active user bases in crypto. For Bybit, it extends the utility of assets held on its platform to more payment experiences, supporting its broader focus on building a more connected global payments ecosystem.

“Bybit has built one of the most engaged communities in crypto,” said Bam Azizi, CEO and Co-founder of Mesh. “People shouldn’t have to move their money to use it. We bring the network to where the money already is.”

“Bybit Pay is designed to remove the friction between holding digital assets and using them to pay. Users can pay directly from their Bybit balance, using the asset they already hold, while platforms receive the asset they want. Our partnership with Mesh brings this capability to more payment experiences and strengthens Bybit Pay’s role in connecting digital assets with the broader payments ecosystem,” said Sophie Chen, Head of Marketing, Bybit Card & Pay.

With Bybit Pay, businesses can tap into Bybit’s global user base while benefiting from seamless payment experiences, quick settlement and infrastructure designed to support payments at scale. Its flexible architecture also enables programmable settlement options, giving businesses greater control over how and when funds are settled across markets.

The partnership reflects Bybit Pay’s broader focus on strengthening its position across the global payments industry by connecting digital assets with more payment platforms and experiences. Through partnerships and integrations across the payments ecosystem, Bybit Pay is building new ways for businesses to serve crypto users while giving Bybit users greater utility for the assets they already hold.

Bybit Pay is available to businesses on Mesh today. Platforms already integrated with Mesh can enable it as a payment option through their existing Mesh integration.

Global Battery Packaging Market Poised for Strong Growth

New Delhi, Sep 3: The global battery packaging market is witnessing steady growth as demand for electric vehicles, consumer electronics and energy storage systems continues to rise.

The market was valued at around $37.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.1 per cent from 2026 to 2035, reaching nearly $117.2 billion by 2035.

The growing production of electric vehicles is one of the main factors driving demand for battery packaging. Batteries need strong and reliable packaging to protect them from heat, impact, moisture and other risks during use, storage and transportation.

Lithium-ion batteries account for the largest share of the market, supported by their widespread use in electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops and energy storage systems.

Asia Pacific is currently the largest regional market, accounting for about 30.5 per cent of global consumption. China, Japan and South Korea remain major battery manufacturing centres and together account for more than 70 per cent of global lithium-ion cell production.

Metal packaging continues to dominate because aluminium and steel offer strength and protection. Aluminium is also gaining popularity because it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and recyclable.

At the same time, companies are increasingly using plastics and composite materials to reduce weight and improve the safety and efficiency of battery packs.

Corrugated packaging is another major segment, particularly for transporting batteries. Its lightweight structure, durability and recyclability make it suitable for protecting batteries during storage and shipment.

The industry is also moving towards more sustainable packaging solutions. Manufacturers are exploring recyclable materials and lighter designs as environmental concerns and regulations gain importance.

With electric mobility and renewable energy storage expanding worldwide, the battery packaging industry is expected to see continued investment and create new opportunities across manufacturing, materials, recycling and logistics.

Stackoo Makes Mumbai Debut with Premium Stationery and Lifestyle Retail Experience

Mumbai, Sep 03: From thoughtfully chosen writing instruments to art supplies, contemporary gifting and workspace essentials, Stackoo is bringing a more immersive approach to everyday retail to Mumbai. The premium lifestyle concept by Linc Limited has opened its second store in India at Sky City

Inaugurated by Mr. Aloke Jalan, Whole-time Director, Linc Limited, the new destination brings together 2000+ SKUs spanning premium and everyday writing instruments, stationery, notebooks and paper products, art and colour supplies, office essentials, lifestyle accessories, school supplies and gifting. Created for a discerning mix of students, young professionals, artists, creators, corporate executives and gifting consumers, the store brings together utility and aesthetics within a contemporary retail setting.

Speaking on the Mumbai opening, Mr. Aloke Jalan, Whole-time Director, Linc Limited, said,

“Stackoo was created with a simple yet powerful thought, that the things we use every day can inspire us, reflect our personality and elevate ordinary moments. Mumbai is an exciting market for a concept rooted in creativity, quality and self-expression. Following our Kolkata debut, this store represents our intent to take Stackoo to more consumers while building a distinctive retail experience around discovery, design and premium products.”

At Stackoo Mumbai, the experience extends beyond browsing shelves. The store has been designed as an engaging environment where visitors can discover, interact with and experience products before making them their own. A standout feature is the POSCA Experience Wall, an interactive space where customers can experiment with POSCA markers across a variety of surfaces. Complementing this is a dedicated workshop and live demonstration area, creating opportunities for creative engagement and product discovery.

The assortment brings together an extensive selection across writing, art, paper, workspace, lifestyle, education and gifting. The premium portfolio features internationally recognised brands such as LAMY and Cross, alongside leading in-house Indian and International brands including Linc, Pentonic, Uniball, Morris, Swype and Deli. For occasions that call for something more personal, gift-wrapping and personalisation services add a bespoke touch to Stackoo’s gifting experience.

With the Mumbai store, Stackoo is taking a broader view of what a stationery and lifestyle destination can be, bringing together innovation, productivity, design and self-expression under one roof. The proposition reflects Linc Limited’s larger ambition to build Stackoo into a distinctive premium retail brand that resonates with consumers seeking products that are not only functional, but also considered, well-designed and inspiring.

Mr. Deepak Jalan, Managing Director, Linc Limited, said, “Stackoo represents our evolving understanding of the modern consumer, someone who values quality, design and experience as much as functionality. Mumbai gives us an opportunity to introduce this proposition to a new and diverse audience. The opening of our second store is a meaningful milestone for the brand, and we see significant potential to build Stackoo into a premium lifestyle destination with a strong retail identity of its own.”

With its blend of curated merchandise, globally recognised brands and interactive experiences, Stackoo Mumbai aims to create a destination that appeals to the everyday shopper as well as the discerning collector, creative professional and thoughtful gift buyer.

Thai Airways selects CHAMP’s cargo management suite Cargospot neo to enhance their service levels and customer experience

Bangkok, Sep 03: Thai Airways International, Thailand’s flag carrier and an air cargo provider in the region, has selected CHAMP Cargosystems to support its ambitious cargo transformation with the deployment of theCargospot neo suite of applications, built on CHAMP’s next-generation neo Platform.

This strategic investment reinforces THAI’s commitment to elevating customer experience, driving operational excellence, and accelerating sustainable growth, forming a key pillar of its broader post-rehabilitation transformation strategy.

As competition intensifies and customer expectations continue to rise, THAI is modernizing its cargo operations to deliver faster, more reliable, and fully digital services.Through the implementation of Cargospot neo, THAI gains a modern, automation-driven cargo management system that enhances end-to-end visibility, agility, and service consistency. Customers and partners will benefit from faster booking processes, real-time shipment tracking, and greater transparency across the entire cargo journey.At the heart of this transformation is the CHAMP neo Platform, featuring an API-native architecture with native AI at its core, enabling THAI to move from fragmented processes to a fully connected, real-time operating model across commercial, operational, and financial functions.

As part of the transformation, THAI has also selected Cargospot neo Revenue Management, CHAMP’s new and advanced yield optimization solution. By combining capacity and demand forecasting with dynamic pricing in a unified machine learning–powered workflow, the solution will enableTHAI to optimize revenue performance while maintaining the right balance between competitiveness and profitability.The comprehensive Cargospot neo suitesolution contracted by THAI creates a seamless, fully integrated cargo ecosystem, streamlining the airline’s end-to-end operations across sales, reservations, handling, warehouse management, load planning, revenue management, and data analytics.This end-to-end digital foundation replaces siloed workflows with a single source of truth, improving efficiency, reducing manual intervention, and enhancing service reliability.

Mr. Surapon Pisutpattana, Managing Director of THAI Cargo Terminal Service at Thai Airways, says:

“Selecting CHAMP and Cargospot neo as our Cargo Management System (CMS) was a natural choice as we continue to accelerate our digital transformation. Our longstanding partnership through Traxon cargoHUB has consistently demonstrated CHAMP’s reliability and commitment to service excellence. We have also seen first-hand how Cargospot enhances operational efficiency, with leading cargo operators in Thailand achieving new levels of performance through the platform. By adopting the CHAMP neo Platform, we are taking another significant step forward—connecting our operations in real time, strengthening our ability to manage capacity and demand more dynamically, and delivering a more responsive, customer-centric cargo experience.”

A key factor in THAI’s decision was CHAMP’s neo Platform, which underpins the majority of its end-to-end portfolio. Built on an API-native architecture and enhanced with embedded generative AI and automation capabilities, the platform delivers a modern, scalable, and highly resilient digital foundation.

Manuel Galindo, CEOat CHAMP, adds:

 “With the Cargospot neo suite and the addition of Cargospot neo Revenue Management, THAI are investing in a scalable, future-ready platform that will strengthen their competitiveness, support their growth ambitions, and enable them to deliver exceptional value to their customers in an increasingly digital and demanding air cargo market.”

Together, CHAMP and Thai Airways are setting a new benchmark for digital air cargo operations, combining AI-driven intelligence, real-time visibility and end-to-end integration to meet the evolving needs of the global logistics ecosystem. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in delivering a smarter, more connected, and customer-centric cargo experience.

JK Cement inaugurates its construction chemicals manufacturing unit in Ras Al Khaimah

(L-R) RAKEZ CXO Ian Hunt, JK DryChem CEO & Director – UAE & Africa Business Amit Kothari and JK Cement Group MD Dr. Raghavpat Singhania.

Ras Al Khaimah, Sept 03: JK DryChem Industries LLC, a subsidiary of India’s leading cement manufacturing giant JK Cement, has officially launched its manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), marking the next phase of the company’s expansion in the UAE and wider region.

Spanning 5,000 m², the new plant will manufacture advanced construction chemicals and additives, strengthening JK Cement’s production capabilities in the region and bringing its products closer to customers across key markets.

The facility’s inauguration ceremony was attended by JK Cement Group MD Dr. Raghavpat Singhania and RAKEZ Chief Customer Experience Officer Ian Hunt, along with senior executives from JK Cement and RAKEZ.

The plant will produce a range of high-performance construction solutions, including liquid admixtures, prepared additives, dry-mix materials and coatings designed to support greater efficiency and sustainability across construction applications.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Seeing JK Cement’s facility move from plans on paper to an operational manufacturing plant in short time is an important milestone. Investments like this add depth to Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial base by bringing new production capabilities and stronger regional supply chains into the emirate. We are pleased to have supported JK Cement through this journey and look forward to seeing its operations grow from the emirate into markets across the region and beyond.”

JK Cement Group MD Dr. Raghavpat Singhania said, “The launch of this facility is an important step in strengthening our presence in the UAE and expanding our construction chemicals business across international markets. Establishing local manufacturing gives us greater proximity to our customers, strengthens our supply capabilities and creates a strong platform for future growth. We appreciate the support provided by RAKEZ throughout the development of the facility, and we look forward to building on this investment.”

With operations now underway, the facility will initially serve customers across the UAE and GCC region, with plans to expand exports to Africa and rest of the world. Its location in RAKEZ’s Al Ghail Industrial Zone also provides access to Ras Al Khaimah’s industrial and logistics infrastructure for the movement of raw materials and finished products.

As major construction, real estate and infrastructure developments across Ras Al Khaimah continue to gather momentum, demand for advanced building materials and construction solutions is set to grow alongside them. This creates a timely opportunity for manufacturers such as JK DryChem to establish local production, serve an expanding regional market and participate in the emirate’s next phase of development.