An efficient and robust infrastructure plan that integrates all logistics services in the UAE will be tackled in the second edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Abu Dhabi.

Presented by Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and the Berlin Institute of Technology (TU-Berlin) Chair of Logistics, the forum will be held on February 7 and 8, 2011.

It will bring together local and international policy makers, as well as supply chain and logistics managers who will discuss the key enablers necessary in building the country as a global logistics hub.

“With the tremendous local developments and predicted rapid growth of UAE imports and exports in the coming years, it is vital that all logistic facilities and services including freight, rail, ports and airports are coordinated,” James Graham, general manager, Aim Events, the events management division of ADU and organiser of the forum.

“The forum previously recommended that in order to become a world leader in logistics, the UAE needs to establish an integrated approach for an efficient logistics system. Subsequently, this must also be coordinated with policies and future plans,” he added.

“Events such as the Global Logistics Forum serve as venue for greater collaboration amongst delegates,” Graham continued.

“Participants from private corporations, universities and government entities are to create market driven context that would ensure all aspects and vital issues in the logistics and supply chain sector are covered.”

“Networking meetings conducted in the forum would also serve as ideal opportunities in identifying and assessing current initiatives and delivery of best practices, including defining future requirements that will move the industry further forward,” he explained.

As part of the recommendations highlighted in the last forum, the second instalment of the event will feature research-based presentations to better understand the logistics sector in the UAE.

These presentations will focus on topics such as human resource needs, customer requirements, supply chain management and future education. The forum’s networking sessions and practical workshops will then provide valuable feedback essential for developing future policies and plans for the country’s logistics sector.

“The next forum will also look back on some of the key findings and delegate views from the previous event. One such issue that the next forum will focus on is increasing supply chain transparency and open business-driven approach, which is crucial for the country’s logistics development and better competitive advantage,” Graham concluded. – TradeArabia News Service