First General Assembly of the new EMS Strategic Plan

Cross-border e-commerce continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments of international trade. In this context, the 29th EMS Cooperative General Assembly (GA) provided an essential opportunity to assess EMS performance and define strategies to address the demands of a rapidly evolving, digitally driven cross-border market. 

The meeting marked a key milestone as the first GA following the launch of the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan. EMS Vision 2029 (password required) underscores members’ shared commitment to meeting changing customer expectations by strengthening international EMS through operational improvements, technological advancement, and sustainable growth.

Opening the meeting, UPU Director General (DG), Masahiko Metoki, highlighted that collaboration among EMS Cooperative members is more important than ever. He emphasized that the strength of EMS lies in its global network and in members’ ability to act collectively to enhance service quality, adapt to evolving market and regulatory conditions, and deliver greater value to customers. He stressed that speed and agility are now essential to remain competitive, respond to customer expectations, and seize new opportunities.

Members are already demonstrating their commitment and are responding to EMS opportunities. The highest performing operators were celebrated during a special ceremony, with the presentation of the 2025 EMS performance and EMS customer care awards by the DG and the Chair of the EMS Cooperative Board, Nabil Bensissaid.

Participants welcomed several key initiatives, including the launch of a new EMS e-commerce project aimed at supporting business development, as well as the DDP solution provided by the UPU. The meeting also updated progress on core EMS Cooperative tools, notably EMS SMART and the EMS Operational Guide, and expressed positive feedback on the roadmap for forthcoming EMS supply chain projects. 

Strong engagement characterised the first GA of the new strategic cycle. With the endorsement of the 2026 budget, a clear work plan is in place, supported by Board members who will help drive EMS growth and respond to evolving customer needs. The discussions and decisions at the meeting underscored the importance of collective action, recognizing that addressing current challenges and capturing emerging opportunities will require sustained engagement and a strong sense of shared responsibility across the EMS Cooperative.