A new forum will focus on the challenges facing shippers globally, the global solutions to assist the industry emerge stronger and more resilient in the future, and the impact locally on industry.

The very first Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) under the theme “Finding local options for global freight solutions” will take place from November 3 to 4 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

GSF is being organised alongside SITL Dubai, an international shipping, freight and logistics event.

Shippers’ representative organizations from Europe, Asia and North America will be giving their ‘local’ perspective on the issues and solutions.

“Running the first ever GSF alongside the SITL Dubai exhibition provides a valuable opportunity for key stakeholders in the logistics and transportation industry globally to meet with peers, network, explore the latest industry solutions and trends, and build relationships that can help their businesses prosper,” said Mohamad Bader-Eddin, show director of SITL Dubai.

“We are very pleased to host the GSF alongside SITL Dubai,” added Bader-Eddin.

“The Middle East is receiving significant attention from transportation and logistics players worldwide. Due to substantial investments in infrastructure, as well as economic growth, the region remains attractive for investors, and so, what better place for the world’s shipper representatives to congregate and hold their first ever conference.”

The conference will commence with an opening address by Dick van den Broek Humphreij, chairman of European Shippers’ Council, followed by a session which will address the obstacles, challenges in Europe, Asia and the Middle East that impede efficient logistics and supply chain management and the solutions that can overcome these.

GSF will also feature a session on intermodal alternatives to help shippers cut their logistics costs, improve efficiency and streamline with their supply chains.

Transportation to and from the Middle East will take centre stage at the conferences’ third session addressed by Biji Thomas, transport manager supply chain & logistics & customs, Schneider Electric and others.

The concluding session will address the challenges in air freight.

According to a report from Booz & Co, a global consulting firm, the transport and logistics market in the Middle East will register annual growth of 10 per cent until 2012. In 2008, the transport and logistics sector was worth an estimated $18 billion in the GCC. – TradeArabia News Service