An efficient and robust infrastructure plan that integrates all logistics services in the UAE will be among the important topics to be tackled in the next Global Logistics Forum scheduled to be held on 7-8 February 2011 in Abu Dhabi.
Building on the success of the inaugural event which critically outlined how to move the UAE logistics sector forward, the second forum will further chart the future direction of the local logistics and supply chain market in order to meet requirements that are in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
Presented by Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and the Berlin Institute of Technology (TU-Berlin) Chair of Logistics, the forum 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.
In the previous event, several UAE organisations revealed their logistics plans and projects. Already in the developing stages, these projects include the transfer of the main port in Abu Dhabi from the Mina Zayed Port to the Khalifa Port at Al-Taweelah, which is due for completion in late 2012 and; the construction of a 1500km modern freight and passenger railway network that would link major regional cities and industrial zones. Further improvements of existing roads as well as the creation of new roads and new ports are also in the pipeline for the Western Region.
“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. 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,†James Graham, General Manager, Aim Events, the events management division of ADU and organiser of the forum.
“Events such as the Global Logistics Forum serve as venue for greater collaboration amongst delegates. 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 added.
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 explained.
The first Global Logistics Forum held last 15-16 March 2010 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Rulers Representative in the Western Region, was attended by more than 200 local and regional logistics professionals. It was supported by the Institute for Vocational Development, a member of the Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group; The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; and BVL, the German Logistics Association.
