Global ports and key players in the shipping industry will be in Abu Dhabi next year at the third edition of the "World Ports & Trade Summit" to discuss the changing dynamics of seaborne trade development.

The event is being organised by Seatrade from March 19 to 20 at the five-star St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC). The members of the International Association of Ports & Harbours (IAPH) will also take part.

The two-day summit agenda will deliver a hard-hitting programme of conference sessions designed to promote trade development, examine supply chain management systems and discuss port efficiency, with a number of exciting new panel discussions covering breakbulk, project cargo and heavy lift, waterborne tourism and marina development, as well as the introduction of a special Africa focus.

News that major ports across the GCC are set to see growth of more than five per cent by 2017, has seen the region’s maritime trade landscape being reshaped as governments and private sector investment accelerate the development of ‘next generation’ terminal facilities to open up a new era of economic opportunity.

“Abu Dhabi and the Gulf region continue to strengthen its position as a major player on the international ports and trade stage, and with increased intra-regional connectivity on the infrastructure agenda, attention is shifting from West to East as billion dollar initiatives such as Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) lead the way for future commercial opportunity and continued economic diversity,” said Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, executive VP (Ports Unit), ADPC.

An annual calendar event for global economists, port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, global cargo owners and investors, the two-day summit will feature a keynote session followed by five conference sessions giving delegates the chance to interact with the industry’s most authoritative figures and influential minds.

The special Africa Focus has been added to the programme to provide delegates with keen insight into the mighty continent’s ports and harbours and the growth plans long-term.

On the first morning, a keynote session featuring a distinguished panel of regional speakers will open the summit, with a discussion on the importance of the region’s economy and crucial geographic position in driving development.

Analysis of the changing dynamic of seaborne trade is set to cause lively debate at the session covering maritime and port development in the new global and economic era, with other parallel panel discussions covering port infrastructure, equipment and operational challenges, stated the organisers.

Chris Hayman, the chairman of Seatrade said, "Social and business networking opportunities remain an important element of the summit, and our eagerly-awaited Gala Awards Dinner, as well as hosted site visits to Khalifa Port and other key UAE facilities, are a major draw for local, regional and international delegates.”-TradeArabia News Service