Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) 2020, the two-day GCC-based breakbulk and project cargo event, will officially kick off tomorrow (February 25).

After a year-long process of laying down foundational groundwork, the comprehensive conference and exhibition is ready to help guide the regional industry to the next level.
 
BBME 2020 is being held under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority (FTA) for Land and Maritime. The event will occur on February 25 and 26, at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE.

High expectations
The opening ceremony for BBME 2020 will take place in Za’abeel Hall 5 at the Breakbulk Main Stage at 10:00 am. With over 125 exhibitors, and more than 4,000 anticipated visitors, the event is on pace to experience an unprecedented amount of participation. Moreover, the event’s conveniently located venue will attract more than 1700 companies from over 75 countries to represent the international strength of the industrial supply chain.

Dr. Al Nuaimi commented, “This year marks the beginning of an important decade for the UAE, with Expo 2020 positioned to be at the forefront of the many milestone achievements that the country expects to accomplish. With regional infrastructure investment rising, optimism is emitting itself from the GCC and Middle East. Accordingly, we will leverage Breakbulk Middle East’s robust representation of the industrial supply chain to build greater momentum into Expo 2020.”

AlNuaimi added: “The UAE has been diligently working to diversify and integrate our economy. The successful realisation of this will set up the country to thrive for years to come. In turn, we will be able to better serve the best interests of the region to ultimately benefit the global economy. With a huge variety of projects rising in the region, the next two days should prove useful in making progress to fast-track the UAE’s ambitions.”

Engineer Ahmed Al Khouri, director-general of the Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport, added: “The UAE’s firm commitment to fostering its shipping infrastructure and functionality involves addressing key points of focus which can be greater strengthened. The successful realisation of this concept involves all aspects of the shipping industry, including optimisation of cargo transport, implementing methods of lowering operational costs while still maintaining elite efficiency, and establishing programmes, which will properly nurture the next set of maritime professionals that our emirate will rely on for future decades. Though topical dialogues centred on these areas of focus are essential, attendees who are willing to listen contribute ideas, and advocate change are equally important. Through the years, Breakbulk Middle East has established a notoriety for creating engaging discussion between individuals who can formulate change, and this year’s event should only further demonstrate that.”

Extreme enthusiasm
Ben Blamire, event director of Breakbulk Middle East, said: “Kuwait is working on $3 billion, 157km rail route to connect the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has plans to invest $1.61 billion in infrastructure enhancements, resulting in a wider construction spend of $2.43 trillion. The UAE is responsible for more than 50 per cent of the GCC’s construction spending. All of this clearly indicates that infrastructure potential is currently enormous in the Middle East. With the fifth edition of BBME kicking off tomorrow, key players from these countries, and others in the region, will be able to connect and collaborate towards maximising these prospects.”

Leslie Meredith, marketing director of Breakbulk Events & Media, added: “It’s been a long road to ensure tomorrow’s event is as successful as the previous four editions. We are excited for the industry to finally experience the benefits of this preparation. With a thoroughly extensive and topical agenda, highly qualified speakers, a variation of new and innovative event additions, some of the most prominent companies in the world, and major decision-makers slated to be in attendance – tomorrow will be a great step towards enriching the collective breakbulk industry. With that said, we look forward to seeing all industry leaders and experts present." - TradeArabia News Service