SCLG Gathers Experts from Over 15 Countries to Logistics Summit in Dubai, UAE

With a core objective of further growing the UAE’s logistics sector, Supply Chain and Logistics Group (SCLG) gathered industry experts from over 15 countries to the ‘5th Global Logistics and Supply Chain summit’ in Dubai last week.

SCLG, a not for profit business group working under patronage of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is engaged in advancing and addressing the challenges of the supply chain and logistics industry.

During the inaugural address at the summit, Atiq J. Nassib, Senior Director, Dubai Chamber, appreciated the fact that SCLG has put together a world class summit that has far exceeded expectations. Around 14% of UAE’s GDP is contributed by the Supply chain and logistics sector and this sector is an integral part of our economy. Dubai’s supply chain and logistics sector saw growth even during the downturn and will continue to grow. Dubai is an attractive destination for the global logistics firms due to the city’s modern and extensive infrastructure.

Mohammed Sharaf, Group Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said, “Innovative system solutions in the field of maritime logistics are key to ensuring the efficient flow of goods along the supply chain at local, regional and global levels. Operating in the ‘market space’ created by Information Technology is not an option, but a necessity to secure the industry’s future. DP World is committed to working closely with its industry partners in our common quest for sustainable solutions to mitigate the potential vulnerabilities within the supply chain as we embrace innovation and technology.”

5th Global Logistics and Supply Chain Summit 2012 with the most relevant theme “innovation, infrastructure and growth” attracted speakers, panelist and over 200 delegates from across UK, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Mauritius and Hungary. The summit included key note speeches, expert panel discussions and 8 delivery tracks to communicate case studies, experience and expertise to benefit the industry.

“Dubai in itself is an example of great leadership for innovation. Dubai has proven visionary leadership, business agility and execution ability to deliver perfect solutions to individuals and organizations for any business vertical. We are delighted to have hosted such a large Supply Chain and logistics fraternity from across the globe at our summit in Dubai. We were able to formulate and discuss several strategies and solutions for countering the current market conditions and take measures to further grow the industry in 2012. Through these summits, SCLG helps to build strategies for companies, support the government in policy formation in industry growth, with an aim to weather these global challenges. We strongly believe that through its innovative approach this industry will consolidate and grow further by end of 2012,” said Shashi Shekhar, Founder and Group President – SCLG.

“Well designed and developed ports & shipping industry, aviation industry, warehousing and free zones in Dubai make this city an ideal location for facilitating global trade, logistics and supply chain,” added Mr.Shekhar.

Supply Chain and logistics is identified as a great contributor to the bottom-line of any organization. Increased pace of globalization, changing speed of business, ever changing technological space and emerging economies (in Asia, BRICS, Danube region in Europe) require continuous transformation of supply chain for organizations in all industry vertical and hence the summit is developed to transfer knowledge content of applicable tools, processes and technologies to the participants that can be leveraged for quick, short term, mid – term and long term goals within their organizations.

“Global economy is stabilizing. With increased globalization and offshore sourcing, global supply chain management is becoming an important part of many businesses. Like traditional, supply chain management, the underlying factors behind the trend are reducing the costs of procurement and decreasing the risks related to purchasing activities. The big difference is that global supply chain management involves a company’s worldwide interests and suppliers rather than simply a local or regional orientation. Furthermore innovative technology always helps in gaining a competitive edge. SCLG believes that this is the time to bring more focus on best business process and technology solutions in order to build a platform for the upcoming bullish economy. We strongly believe that the year 2012 has begun with a new hope for a better tomorrow,” concluded Dr. Kanak Madrecha, President Global Development, SCLG.

After the invigorating sessions, SCLG also organised a gala networking event for all the delegates and many other SCM professionals and non delegates. Many CEOs and high-level officials were present to grace the occasion. A film commemorating DP World’s 40 year journey, highlighting its role in nurturing trade in the UAE, was previewed at the summit. The summit was supported by many leading organizations such as DP World – the signature sponsor, Al Futtaim Logistics – the Gold sponsor, ADPC, Apparel Group, Dulsco and Tim Hortons among others.

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Source: Supply Chain & Logistics Group, June 4, 2012