标签： North America

Meethaq Manpower, a prominent Emirati-owned staffing and outsourcing firm under the Al Ghandi Group, has unveiled its latest milestone with the launch of a new branch in Saudi Arabia. This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to broadening its footprint beyond the UAE, targeting the GCC, the MENA region, and Europe. With over 12 years of growth under the leadership of CEO Maryam Buti AlMheiri, Meethaq has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses, government entities, and global clients, delivering innovative and ethical workforce solutions. The company’s entry into Saudi Arabia aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, a transformative economic agenda that presents significant opportunities in manpower and outsourcing. Maryam emphasized Meethaq’s mission to bridge the gap between skilled professionals and businesses, fostering a sustainable workforce ecosystem. As a 100% Emirati-owned enterprise, Meethaq embodies national pride and ambition, contributing to Emiratisation and showcasing Emirati leadership globally. This expansion not only marks a business achievement but also reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a hub of innovation and enterprise. From Dubai to Riyadh and beyond, Meethaq is paving the way for businesses and individuals to thrive, reflecting a story of vision, resilience, and determination with a lasting global impact.

The ripple effects of US-imposed tariffs are now manifesting in the nation’s trade landscape, with September witnessing a significant downturn in container cargo imports. According to the latest Global Shipping Report by Descartes, a supply chain technology and data provider, US container imports plummeted by 8.4% year-on-year, with Chinese imports bearing the brunt at a staggering 22.9% decline. Despite this, US ports managed to process 2.31 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container cargo, marking the third-highest September volume on record. The steepest declines were observed in sectors such as toys, sporting goods, footwear, apparel, aluminum, and electric machinery. This contrasts sharply with the surge in imports during July and August, as retailers stockpiled goods ahead of the holiday season. Jonathan Gold, Vice-President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation, attributed the earlier peak to businesses’ efforts to mitigate tariff impacts by front-loading cargo. However, the uncertainty surrounding tariff policies continues to challenge businesses, with projections indicating that monthly import volumes at major US ports may drop below 2 million TEUs for the remainder of the year. Analysts, including Ben Hackett of Hackett Associates, predict further import slowdowns, citing ongoing volatility in US tariff policy as a significant source of economic uncertainty. China’s share of total US imports also declined, falling to 33% in September from 34.5% in August. The Port of Los Angeles, one of the busiest in the US, reported an 8% year-on-year decline in import volumes, processing around 883,000 container units in September. Gene Seroka, the port’s Executive Director, anticipates a further softening of cargo volumes in the coming months, exacerbated by turbulent trade negotiations with China. The US recently announced additional 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, effective November 1, following China’s imposition of export controls on rare earth minerals. China’s Ministry of Commerce has criticized these measures, emphasizing that its export controls are a legitimate effort to safeguard national and global security, not targeted at any specific country. The ongoing trade tensions have already impacted bilateral trade, with China’s exports to the US falling by 27% year-on-year in September, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline. As both nations navigate this contentious trade landscape, the broader economic implications remain uncertain.

China’s economic strategy has pivoted towards a model that integrates high-quality development with robust security measures, emphasizing technological self-reliance and a strengthened domestic demand base. This approach, termed the ‘economic security growth model,’ was a focal point of discussion at a recent virtual panel hosted by the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) in Washington, DC. Experts highlighted how this model transcends traditional export- or investment-driven frameworks, instead focusing on strategic pillars such as dual circulation, self-reliant innovation, and mechanisms to counter foreign economic coercion. The dual circulation strategy prioritizes the domestic market while fostering synergy between internal and external markets. Trade data indicates that while direct trade with the US and other advanced economies has plateaued, China’s trade with the rest of the world continues to expand. The second pillar of this model involves a ‘whole-of-nation’ push towards self-reliant innovation, insulating the economy from geopolitical risks. This includes significant fiscal allocations for education, science, and technology, with a notable rise in approvals for science and engineering programs. China’s industrial robot adoption rates far exceed global averages, signaling a clear trajectory towards innovation-led growth. The third pillar focuses on establishing export controls and regulations to address external coercion. China’s advancements in AI exemplify the potential of this approach, with Chinese firms securing six of the top 20 AI models globally, despite US export controls on advanced AI chips. Experts noted that this competition benefits the global economy, as it ensures access to highly capable AI systems. The World Economic Forum and Stanford’s 2025 AI Index have acknowledged China’s narrowing performance gaps in AI, with innovations like the DeepSeek-R1 AI model and Huawei’s Ascend 910C chip gaining recognition. The diffusion of technology, rather than its initial development, is seen as the true determinant of success, with AI spreading faster than any prior technology.