Dubai, April 18, 2016: Emirates Post Group (EPG) has launched the first phase of innovative e-commerce solutions, as it gears to be a major player in the field of e-commerce. As part of the e-commerce project, EPG in introducing new measures and innovative channels in response to strong demand for ‘last mile delivery’ from e-commerce companies. This was announced by Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Ibrahim Bin Karam, during a media briefing, in line with the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to foster increased interaction with the media. Among the new innovations is ‘UAE Stamp Shop’, an online stamp purchasing service for the benefit of stamp collectors. The service is available via EPG website www.epg.gov.ae. Currently, the ‘UAE Stamp Shop’ features 40 stamp issues, released between 2012 and 2016. Customers can browse the list at leisure and make their selection. UAE stamps are in high demand among regional and international stamp collectors. The service comes with free delivery by registered post to any part of the world. The EPG Philately Department will keep adding more stamps to the list on a regular basis. “The UAE Stamp Shop is one of the new innovative measures we have adopted to make it easy for stamp collectors to book and buy UAE stamps online,” said Mr. Bin Karam. “Our website is fully equipped to accept orders from all over and online payment. This will encourage stamp collectors to buy UAE stamps after making a selection from the online list.” “We are gearing ourselves to meet the emerging demands of an expanding e-commerce. As there has been a huge increase in volumes of inbound parcels (into the UAE) we are focusing on ‘last mile delivery’ for e-commerce players. We have noticed that volumes from China in general, having registered five-fold increase over the past 18 months. “We are pleased to announce the launch of a new delivery channel: Parcel Lockers. The ‘Parcel Lockers’ are automated and unmanned systems designed to deliver E-Commerce shipments 24x7. When customers choose this channel they will receive an SMS with security code to visit the respective location to collect their parcel from a specified locker. By the end of 2017, Emirates Post will install more than 50 parcel lockers across the UAE, in addition to its 120 retail outlets.” “Also, e-commerce exports from UAE to GCC countries are increasing rapidly, with e-commerce companies sending huge volumes to Saudi Arabia on a daily basis. Emirates Post has the perfect solutions for small packages to GCC countries.” Mr. Bin Karam said EPG was confident of handling the last-mile delivery requirements of e-commerce companies because of its courier fleet of 900 vehicles and over 120 retail outlets operating 6 days a week, from 7.30am until 9 pm. “Reverse logistics is also an important value-added solution being offered by EPG, as over 30% of e-commerce shipments are generally returned to the sender. Inside each e-commerce parcel there will be a return airwaybill for return delivery to the sender,” Mr. Bin Karam announced. Speaking about future projects he listed the following: ‘E-Greeting’ in which customers can select greetings cards from a dropdown menu or customizing a greeting card for occasions like weddings, anniversaries, etc. This is a new concept in which an online greeting card will be converted into a physical card and delivered by mail to the recipient. EPG is shortlisting Retailers and e-Commerce companies, as part of an e-commerce project that will offer selected range of electronic products, flowers and other items through the website, and customers will be able to order them online and have them delivered through the postal network. Personalised Stamps. Customers will be able to personalize and customise stamps, by embedding their photos on selected stamps online through the EPG website, and have them printed.