Global
ports, key industry players and members of the International
Association of Ports & Harbours (IAPH) will return to the UAE
capital from 19-20 March 2013.
The
third annual edition of the World Ports & Trade Summit - held
in strategic
partnership with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company
(ADPC) - brings the industry together to discuss the changing
dynamics of seaborne trade development.
Taking
place at the five-star St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort,
the two-day summit agenda will deliver a hard-hitting programme of
conference sessions designed to promote trade development, examine
supply chain management
systems and discuss port efficiency, with a
number of exciting new panel discussions covering breakbulk, project
cargo and heavy lift, waterborne tourism and marina development, as
well as the introduction of a special Africa Focus.
News
that major ports across the GCC are set to see growth of more than
five per cent by 2017, has seen the region’s maritime trade
landscape being reshaped as governments and private sector investment
accelerate the development of ‘next generation’ terminal
facilities to open up a new era of economic opportunity.
“Abu
Dhabi and the Gulf region continue to strengthen its position as a
major player on the international ports and trade stage, and with
increased intra-regional connectivity on the infrastructure agenda,
attention is shifting from West to East as billion dollar initiatives
such as Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) lead the way for
future commercial opportunity and continued economic diversity,”
said Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, Executive Vice President- Ports Unit,
ADPC.
An
annual calendar event for global economists, port authorities,
terminal operators, shipping companies, global cargo owners and
investors, the two-day summit will feature a keynote session followed
by five conference sessions giving delegates the chance to interact
with the industry’s most authoritative figures and influential
minds. The special Africa Focus has been added to the programme to
provide delegates with keen insight into the mighty continent’s
ports and harbours and the growth plans long-term.
On
the first morning, a keynote session featuring a distinguished panel
of regional speakers will open the summit, with a discussion on the
importance of the region’s economy and crucial geographic position
in driving development. Analysis of the changing dynamic of seaborne
trade is set to cause lively debate at the session covering maritime
and port development in the new global and economic era, with other
parallel panel discussions covering port infrastructure, equipment
and operational challenges.
“With
commercial activities now underway at our flagship Khalifa Port, the
emirate has opened up its new gateway. Home to the only
semi-automated container terminal in the entire Gulf region, as well
as six of the world’s largest ship-to-shore cranes, the
commencement of operations at Khalifa Port, and the launch of Kizad,
form a logistical hub that is an integral component in the Gulf-wide
agenda for ports and trade development into the next decade,” said
Capt Al Shamisi, ADPC.
“Khalifa
Port will also be the first port in the region to connect with the
Etihad Rail freight network, which is forecast to launch in 2015-16.
This will not only facilitate cargo transportation within the UAE,
but heralds the start of intra-regional networking capabilities
across the GCC,” Capt. Al Shamisi added.
The
International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) will hold its
annual meeting on 18th November, just prior to the start of the World
Ports & Trade Summit 2013, with ADPC hosting a reception for IAPH
members. Complementary and supporting events rounding out the summit
agenda include a dedicated Exhibition Zone where summit delegates can
meet with a select number of handpicked exhibitors, and the annual
Gala Awards Dinner.
“Social
and business networking opportunities remain an important element of
the summit, and our eagerly awaited Gala Awards Dinner, as well as
hosted site visits to Khalifa Port and other key UAE facilities, are
a major draw for local, regional and international delegates,” said
Chris Hayman, Chairman of Seatrade, organisers of
the World Ports & Trade Summit.
Organised
by Seatrade, the World Ports & Trade Summit is held in strategic
partnership with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC).
For
more information on World Ports & Trade Summit 2013, please log
on to worldportsandtrade.com