The changing dynamics of seaborne trade development are expected to be the focus of discussion at the World Ports & Trade Summit, which is taking place from 19-20 March
Held in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), the two-day summit agenda will deliver conference sessions designed to promote trade development, examine supply chain management systems and discuss port efficiency.
There will also be a number of panel discussions covering breakbulk, project cargo and heavy lift, waterborne tourism and marina development.
Major ports across the GCC are set to record growth of more than five per cent by 2017.
The region?s maritime trade landscape has been reshaped as governments and private sector investment accelerate the development of ?next generation? terminal facilities to open up a new era of economic opportunity.
Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, executive vice president, Ports Unit, ADPC, said, ?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.?
The summit will feature a keynote session featuring panel of regional speakers with a discussion on the importance of the region?s economy and crucial geographic position in driving development.
?With commercial activities now underway at our flagship Khalifa Port, the emirate has opened up its new gateway," Al Shamisi added.
"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."
