The future of shipping and its role in reviving the global economy will be discussed at length by leading maritime and trade experts at an upcoming ports and trade summit in Abu Dhabi.

The World Ports & Trade Summit 2012 will take place from April 2 to 4 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

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.

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 Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy.

UAE’s non-oil foreign trade grew by 23 per cent to Dh676.3 billion ($184.1 billion) and re-exports grew 13 per cent during the first nine months of 2011, compared to the previous year, said a report by the Federal Customs Authority.

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 Khalifa Port, the only automated facility in the region and the adjoining Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad).

“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 organised to debate demand for project cargo and heavy lift transport generated by the resurgence in projects across the region. – TradeArabia News Service