The emerging trends and topics influencing the future of global seaborne trade, their impact on local and regional businesses, and the importance of innovation in shaping the trade and logistics sectors were discussed today at the Fourth Abu Dhabi Ports’ Annual Partners’ Forum.
The yearly gathering brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, partners and customers to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the trade and logistics sectors. This year’s edition of Abu Dhabi Ports’ Partners’ Forum saw the participation of major UAE government bodies and private sector companies.
The event was inaugurated by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, who stressed in his keynote address that collaboration has been one of the foundations of Abu Dhabi Ports’ success. “This is why we organise this Forum, to discuss key challenges and opportunities with you, our partners,” he said.
In line with the UAE’s commitment to fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, this year’s forum was held under the theme of ‘Charting our Future Together’ and attracted a large number of representatives from government entities, international businesses, UAE companies and trade organisations.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Collaboration and strengthening of relationships across diverse business segments in the region sits at the very heart of what we want to achieve at Abu Dhabi Ports. The Partners’ Forum continues to grow as we welcome more and more customers and government stakeholders, reflecting the significance of providing industry leaders and business influencers with a platform to exchange knowledge and discuss the latest opportunities in the region.
“We have taken important steps towards bringing the private and public sectors closer than ever before. We have also charted strategies to meet future challenges facing trade and logistics sectors, with focus on adopting the latest technologies in order to enhance the efficiency of the global supply chain and the flow of goods.”
“We are confident that today’s panel discussions will contribute to enhancing Abu Dhabi Ports’ and our partners’ role in the long-term growth of the trade and logistics sectors in the region and globally.”
The latest edition of the forum also featured lively panel discussions on the role that innovation and smart port solutions can play in the trade and logistics sectors. The research conducted by Abu Dhabi Ports showed that more than 70% of respondents believe that these sectors in the GCC are more prepared to incorporate automation and smart solutions compared to the global industry; it also confirmed that blockchain technology, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are the top three innovations shaping the trade and logistics sectors..
Panel discussions at the forum also focused on the impact of population growth, trade patterns, waste management, ocean pollution, and collaboration to promote business growth. The research revealed that population growth and efficient management continue to be regarded highly by the trade and logistics sectors.
Over the past few years, Abu Dhabi Ports has made significant strides in harnessing innovative digital solutions for trade and port communities. In 2018, it launched Silsal, a blockchain-based solution aimed at streamlining trade flows and supply chains. More recently, the company has partnered with Dell Technologies to explore ways to harness the most exciting technologies to make the future of maritime operations and services safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
