Seatrade Experts in Abu Dhabi to Discuss Eastwards Power Shift (UAE)

Over 30 of the industry’s regional and international maritime industry leaders and experts will convene in Abu Dhabi from 19-20 March 2013 for the high profile two-day summit event that will take an in-depth look at the promotion of trade development, supply chain management and port efficiency in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.

Held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), the third annual World Ports & Trade Summit will open with a panel keynote address by HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman, ADPC; HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy; HE Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, DP World; and Grant Gilfillan, CEO, Sydney Ports Corporation and First Vice President IAPH.

“This session will set the tone and the direction for two days of high-level industry debate. The power shift eastwards and the ramifications – both positive and negative – for strategic players located throughout the Gulf,” said Chris Hayman, Chairman, Seatrade.

Moderated by international broadcaster and presenter Naga Munchetty (photo), the summit schedule also features a world trade and economics’ forum at which panelists will debate the critical challenges faced by governments, policy makers and business leaders in trade development.

Confirmed speakers include Professor Douglas McWilliams, from the UK’s Bunden Centre for Economics and Business Research; Dr Kai Stukenbrock, Director of Sovereign & Public Ratings, Standard & Poors, Germany; and Sherife AbdelMessih, Chief Executive, Future Energy Corporation, Egypt.

The region’s port operators and commercial shipping experts will join their international peers across the summit table for successive sessions covering maritime and port development in the new global and economic era, presenting an in-depth analysis of infrastructure and operational issues.

Tony Douglas, CEO of ADPC will be joined by Santiago Garcia-Mila Lloveras, Deputy General Manager, Port of Barcelona, Chairman of the European Seaports Organisation and Second Vice Chairman of IAPH, Spain; Saud Bin Ahmed Al Nahari, CEO, PSC Oman Port, Oman; Dr Priyath Wickrama, Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka; and Mr. Fadhel Al Baghly, Chairman and Managing Director- KGL Ports International to discuss the issue of increased ship size and the ‘cascade’ effect on intra-regional and international trading patterns, and the impact of the expansion of the Panama Canal.

“This year we will also hold our first ever Africa Focus session, welcoming Ify Akerele, Director General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping to the podium as we look at this vast continent’s trade and investment potential,” said Hayman.

Other industry heads in the UAE capital next week include Capt. David Padman, General Manager, Port Klang Authority, Malaysia, who will be the keynote speaker for the day two session covering port technology and operational challenges. Padman is joined by Chen Yingming, Deputy Executive President, China Ports and Harbours Association and senior representatives from leading UAE operators and service providers including Rashed Al Hebsi, CEO, Tasneef, and Joost Achterkamp, Terminal Area Project Manager, ADPC.

All World Ports & Trade Summit 2013 delegates will also have the opportunity to network with IAPH members, following the IAPH Asia/Oceania Regional Meeting on 18 March. Key decision-makers from across the industry spectrum, IAPH members will share their experience and insight with other industry professionals at the two-day event.

Organised by Seatrade, the World Ports & Trade Summit is held in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC).

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Seatrade, March 18, 2013