Leaders In Logistics

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CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

The 2011 Leaders in Logistics conference gathered the cream of the logistics sector to discuss the issues most pertinent to the Middle East logistics and supply chain industry.

The line-up of speakers featured representatives from some of the biggest and most successful logistics firms in the Middle East. The conference staged topical panel discussions including how free zones can compete on the world stage, aviation infrastructure and cargo security, how to manage customer relations, meeting client expectations, and expanding into emerging markets.

The opening keynote and panel discussion focused on free zones and how they can better collaborate with the private sector to further the competitive advantages of the UAE as a logistics hub. Khaled Ahmad, SVP -Strategy & Development of JAFZA and Economic Zones World, gave a summary on how free zones in the UAE have employed clever business strategies to win out over other nations despite lacking many of their natural advantages in terms of geography.

The programme moved on to a presentation from Frank Uwe-Ungerer, UAE Country Manager of DHL, who spoke about business strategy from the view of a logistics provider, and  in particular on maximising competitiveness and profitability in the Gulf. This presentation lead to a panel discussion, which featured senior representatives from ADPC, RAK Free Zone and Dubai Trade.

Robeel Haq, the Editor of Aviation Middle East went on to moderate a panel on aviation infrastructure and cargo featuring senior representatives from Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline and dnata. The topics spanned from security, pricing and overall competition in the field.

Jon Cuthbert, the editor of Logistics Middle East chaired the last panel before lunch. Gathering the heads of logistics from Nokia and Jumbo Electronics, they sat with the Managing Directors of Hellmann Logistics and deugro to delve into what the client looks for in their collaboration with a logistics provider.

The conference highlight was the final onstage discussion between industry leaders, Tom Nauwelarts, Managing Director of Al Futtaim Logistics and Hussein Hachem, the Managing Director (GCC and Africa) of Aramex. They spoke on business strategy and their views of expanding into new markets such as Africa and the wider Middle East.

The impressive line-up of 20 speakers and panellists came primarily from the UAE, but also from Egypt and Tunisia, to share their knowledge and experience. The participants were reminded of the vitality of their sector, the potential for growth in the region and the important role the UAE as a logistics hub will play in the decades to come.