Abu Dhabi, 8 February 2012: The world's leading maritime and trade experts will come together at the World Ports & Trade Summit 2012 hosted in Abu Dhabi from April 2-4, to deliberate on the future of shipping and its role in reviving the global economy.
Held in association with Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), the summit has attracted leaders in shipping and trade, including noted economists, investors, port operators, supply chain specialists and technology companies.
The summit is also set to be a strategic idea exchange between governments and international businesses on the current commercial environment for the international maritime sector and featuring lively debate about the world trading environment. Speakers in the opening session include Their Excellencies Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy; Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Non-Executive Director & Vice Chairman, DP World, the world-renowned environmentalist Jonathon Porritt as well as CEO's of leading ports and international shipping lines.
As home to some of the busiest seaports and logistics corridors in the world, the UAE hosting the Summit is of special significance to the shipping industry.
"The UAE has flourished as a global hub of commerce as we are at a strategic crossroads between Asia, Africa and Europe. Thanks to this favourable location and our robust ports and shipping infrastructure our non-oil re-exports continue to grow, driving diversification of our economy," said Al Mansoori.
The Federal Customs Authority says UAE's non-oil foreign trade grew by 23% to Dh 676.3 billion and re-exports grew 13% during the first nine months of 2011, compared to the previous year.
The substantial investment being made in developing the ports and logistics infrastructure in the UAE and the Middle East will be under the spotlight in the Summit, including ADPC which is developing the ambitious Khalifa Port, the only automated facility in the region and the adjoining Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).
The first phase of Khalifa Port and KIZAD will be operational by Q4 2012 offering a unique business and industrial environment with world class technology, multi-modal transport and distribution facilities and easy access to international markets.
"The World Ports & Trade Summit will showcase Khalifa Port and KIZAD as proof points for Abu Dhabi's long-term strategy - creating a location for business, contributing to growth and trade and creating employment. Thanks to the wisdom and foresight of the Government, the project will help diversify the economy, making it sustainable for future generations." said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of ADPC.
The opening session will be followed by six different sessions dedicated to the macro-economic outlook on world trade; road ahead for global supply chains; sustainable shipping initiatives; energy outlook and transportation; changing role of port authorities; and challenges facing petrochemicals, aluminium, logistics and shipping in the Middle East.
A special session has been dedicated to evolving trade patterns and updates on infrastructure projects in the emerging economies of Mexico, Columbia, Malaysia, Libya, Egypt, Poland, Thailand and Indonesia and their relevance to future global economic recovery and trade.
A new addition to this year's summit is the Break Bulk and Project Cargo Middle East conference organized to debate demand for project cargo and heavy lift transport generated by the resurgence in projects across the region.
Leaders in cargo handling, break bulk shipping, freight forwarding, port operations, cargo handling, equipment providers and EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Contracting) will participate in the debate, set for the last two days of the summit.
Jointly organised by Turret Media and Seatrade, The World Ports & Trade Summit is sponsored by Bechtel, DNV, Emirates Aluminium (emal) and supported by: Abu Dhabi Terminals, Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber, UNIDO and The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH).
For more information on World Ports & Trade Summit 2012, please log on to www.worldportsandtrade.com
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About Abu Dhabi Ports Company
Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) is a master developer and regulator of ports and industrial zones.
ADPC's core objective is to facilitate the diversification of Abu Dhabi's economy by acting as an enabler for development and trade. It will achieve this by managing commercial ports throughout the Emirate, supporting partners with their infrastructure projects and setting up new companies and joint ventures with partners who service and operate in the ports and industrial zones sector.
ADPC was created in 2006 as part of the restructuring of the commercial ports sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and given control and regulatory enforcement power over all commercial port assets previously owned by the Abu Dhabi Seaports Authority.
ADPC strives to be at the forefront of progress in industrial logistics and infrastructure and is currently focused on creating one of the world's largest concentrations of industry at Kizad. www.adpc.ae
About Kizad
Kizad is a 417 sq km industrial zone strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. With one of the world's most advanced deepwater seaports and world-class infrastructure, Kizad will benefit from excellent multimodal connectivity via sea, air, road and rail networks to ensure easy accessibility to and from the Industrial Zone. Phase 1, which is 51 sq km with an investment of AED 26.5 billion or $7.2 billion, is set to open in Q4 2012.
Kizad is a cornerstone of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 which also highlights the drive to diversification of the economy in pursuit of sustainable growth less dependent on the oil and gas industries. By 2030, Kizad will be expected to contribute up to 15% of Abu Dhabi's non-oil GDP.
www.kizad.com
About Turret Media
Located in Abu Dhabi, Turret Media FZ LLC has launched and helped develop some of the most successful live events in the world, including the World Future Energy Summit, Gastech and the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC).
Turret Media's exhibitions and conferences annually represent more than 1,400 exhibitors and deliver more than 120,000 visitors in industry sectors as diverse as renewable energy, gourmet food and information technology.
Find us at www.turretme.com
About Seatrade
Seatrade has been leading the way in comprehensive global maritime communication for over 40 years. Its publications, events, management training, award schemes and websites cover every aspect of cruise and maritime activity and are known and respected around the globe.
Seatrade's headquarters are based in the UK, with regional offices in Dubai, Singapore, as well as representatives in all major maritime centres and cruise destinations across the globe.
Find us at www.seatrade-global.com
For more information, please contact:
Sameh Hamtini
Director - Abu Dhabi office
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +971 2 6334133
Mob: +971 50 7557717
Email: s.hamtini@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2012
