SMME 2020 embraces virtual power to boost maritime sector

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The Federal Transportation Authority for Land and Maritime has been one of the strategic government supporters to Seatrade Maritime Middle East. In his comments, Eng. Ahmed Sharif Al Khouri, Director General of the Federal Transportation Authority for Land and Maritime said, “The UAE’s has always been committed to strengthening the position of the maritime industry. Even today, despite the global disruption that has impacted every sphere in life and businesses around the world, the leaders of the country are striving hard to maintain normalcy through several directives, in order to stabilise the market and make it resilient. We are pleased to see that events like Seatrade Maritime are providing considerable support to businesses in the country and are addressing pressing problems that the industry is facing during this difficult time. Their initiative to enlighten and train the next generation of maritime professionals is also noteworthy. We are looking forward to witnessing how the virtual edition of the tradeshow empowers the country and the maritime sector.”

Seatrade Maritime Middle East Virtual (SMME V) is one such event that is utilising the potential of the internet to redefine events in the maritime space. Over the last two decades, the tradeshow has gained the reputation of being the leading maritime conference in the region. It is a valuable platform for key players to converge and share insights. Businesses today are in dire need of guidance to overcome the challenges of the new world and prepare themselves for the post-COVID market. This is where premier forums like Seatrade Maritime ME come into play. They not only lead the industry towards greener pastures, but also help the maritime community to network and discuss new developments and roadblocks in business.

Chris Morley, Event Director, Seatrade Maritime said, “The maritime sector is facing a tough challenge. Yet I believe that the global disruption has propelled the industry to explore uncharted waters. This era is bringing about a digital revolution in the maritime industry.”

He added, “Change is constant and through Seatrade Maritime ME Virtual we hope to be the catalyst of a digital awakening in the sector. Our key initiatives are aimed at supporting all our partners to tackle the pressing concerns of the COVID.”

One of the key advantages of the event is its ability to reach a wider audience, through a screen. The upcoming event - Seatrade Maritime Middle East 2020 - will connect maritime professionals from across the Middle East in order to encourage a prosperous recovery for the sector in the region. Morley said, “The three-day event will cover a series of key themes that are relevant to the current market scenario, locally and globally. As the industry faces an uncertain future, our digital might will prove to be a game changer. This is exactly what we want our partners to recognise. The power of the internet is immense. It can help us maintain trade flow and devise resilient supply chains, without risking the lives of maritime professionals.”

Apart from this, an intelligent networking system powered by AI will help stakeholders to identify business leads. Exhibitors can visually highlight their products and services using the latest technology and expand their brand’s portfolio. Live webinars and a fine selection of on-demand content will help members to troubleshoot and find solutions to overcome business challenges.

Looking ahead, through various well-planned, pertinent initiatives, Seatrade Maritime will redefine the landscape of the maritime industry in the Middle East region. Supporting micro, small and medium-sized businesses is one of the key agendas of Seatrade Maritime. The immersive digital experience will empower SME’s and entrepreneurs who show promise and can deal with the blow of the global COVID crisis. The industry needs innovative solutions now, more than ever before. Through the Innovation Hub, Seatrade Maritime will act as an incubator to encourage avant-garde ideas and boost trade.

Lastly, one of the most vital endeavours is the Future Caliber enterprise that focuses on the younger generation, who are aspiring maritime professionals. Prominent leaders in the industry will guide students from leading educational institutes in the UAE. The exchange of ideas and insights will ensure that the future of the shipping industry will be in secured hands.