Huge opportunities to be unveiled at ports summit

Summit partners said that the event would be significant in bringing together experts.

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Contract, investment and supply opportunities are to be unveiled at the World Ports and Trade Summit in 2011 being hosted by Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC).

The event, scheduled for 28-30 March 2011 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will bring together experts in the run up to the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) project, and provide opportunities for companies to learn about other port projects.

Renowned economists, ports authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, global cargo owners and investors will also look at alternative futures and challenges facing the ports industry in the coming years.

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ADPC’s CEO Tony Douglas said: “The World Ports and Trade Summit will deliver a vital exchange of knowledge as the ports and shipping industries look to evolve development strategies in line with economic management and recovery, and ADPC is extremely proud to be part of this brand new event in the United Arab Emirates.

“As ADPC continues to make the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) a reality, the company is now taking centre stage in the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy.

“KPIZ is set to become a major trade and business hub for the Middle East and we look forward to sharing our plans and developing our strategies alongside industry peers and experts at the summit.”

Taking place under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the summit has received support from a number of key organisations.

These include Abu Dhabi Terminals, the Arab Sea Ports Federation, Seatrade and event organisers Turret Media, as well as platinum sponsor Bechtel and exclusive destination partner Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

The event is set to include a mix of keynote conference sessions, panel debates, training workshops and roundtable discussions, as well as an international exhibition, association meetings, investor workshops and hosted tours of ports facilities in the UAE.

Among the topics to be discussed are the global macro-economic outlook for the region, the anticipated performance of major freight markets in 2011 and the possibilities for the efficient operation of ports.

Seatrade chairman Chris Hayman said: “The aim of the summit is to deliver an unrivalled information exchange and networking platform for the industry in a city spearheading the development of ports and associated industrial zones.”

Confirmed speakers at the summit include the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, as well as Doha Debates’ chairman and award-winning interviewer Tim Sebastian, a former presenter of the BBC’s HARDtalk.