BBME attracts industry leaders; focus on economic growth

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) 2020, the GCC’s premiere breakbulk and project cargo conference and exhibition, has successfully made its return to Dubai for the third consecutive year. The two-day event, held under the patronage of Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority (FTA) for Land and Maritime, and with attendance of Arab Transport Ministries, formally kicked off on Tuesday with an unprecedented 3300 participants for the first day, showing an increase of 24 per cent over the 2019’s edition.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi said, “Breakbulk Middle East is visibly nurturing industry growth in every sense of the word. As this new decade continues on the UAE is eyeing major developments, and with international investors being noticeably present here today, this will be essential in spurring regional growth.”

Al Nuaimi further mentioned, “As maritime is comprised of a number of components of the industrial supply chain, project development that stems from this year’s event will be vital for sustainable growth. The UAE currently accounts for 35 per cent of investment in the maritime region, and we have invested over Dhs157 billion into expanding local ports here. These efforts have been made in an attempt to bolster the entire Middle Eastern maritime infrastructure, and we look forward to seeing the steps that are taken in making this ambitious vision progressively come into fruition.”

Delivering the ceremony’s opening remarks, Eng. Ahmed Al Khouri, Director-General of the FTA for Land and Maritime UAE commented, “The industrial supply chain is extensive and Breakbulk Middle East has once again done a tremendous job of uniting and displaying its strength in full force. With the UAE fueled by our desire to strategically advance world transport and trade activity, feedback that is produced via interaction between key industry players will be invaluable. Day one of this year’s event has already formulated captivating discussions and showcased strong leadership. Moving forward, this continued output will assist in increasing the country’s global maritime stock, and enhance operational efficiency.”

Further reinforcing this notion, a number of new initiatives were also introduced to attendees; An inaugural speed networking session was implemented for ‘Breakbulk Masters’ to engage in introductory 5-minute meetings with selected exhibitors. This initiative was strategically administered in an attempt to increase project cargo business for the sake of benefitting the regional economy.

Additionally, ‘Breakbulk AR’ was also introduced to display the capabilities of leading companies in an innovative and interactive manner. The second day of the event will also initiate ‘Breakbulk Education Day,’ an initiative to educate and prepare the next generation of local industry talent, and a ‘Women in Breakbulk Breakfast’ to increase efforts of minimising the gender gap.

Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Executive Director of Maritime Transport at the Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime “ FTA”, and also President of AWIMA (Arab Women in Maritime Association) elaborated saying, “The future of the industrial supply chain, and the success of the global economy are dependent on a workforce that embodies passion.”