The TOC Middle East conference and trade exhibition returns to Dubai at a time when global trade growth has been slow. This fragile worldwide economy is in need of a coordinated and comprehensive use of fiscal, monetary and structural policies to move to a higher growth path. In amongst this turmoil, the green shoots of recovery are out there. Advanced economies including the United States, Japan and the OECD area are predicted for small percentage growths in 2016 and 2017 and the political and economic stimulus packages that have been implemented in Brazil and Russia are showing some tentative signs of stabilization and with the help of a rebound in oil prices could begin to recover in 2017.

Moving closer to the Middle East region, this positive story continues and it is very different from other regions, as oil exporters are benefiting from the recent modest recovery in oil prices while continuing fiscal consolidation in response to structurally lower oil revenues. DP World are the host for TOC Middle East and Mr Mohammed Al Muallem, SVP & MD – UAE Region will be delivering the Keynote presentation.

Welcoming Iran back to the global stage

Some of the world’s largest container shipping lines are stopping in Iran for the first time in nearly a decade and are lining up to take advantage of the supply chain opportunities that this will provide. MSC, the world’s second-largest shipping line, discharged 300 containers filled with food and agricultural commodities at the port in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas and CMA CGM, the third-largest line, also has begun service to Iran with other large carriers – including Maersk Line – actively pursuing opportunities in the country.

Iran’s state shipping carrier, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) has seen its global ranking surge this year and currently ranks as the 22nd largest carrier. Dr Mohammad Saeedi, Chairman & MD, IRISL will deliver the afternoon Keynote presentation. With ambitious plans to move into the top container shipping lines by 2021, Dr Saeedi will discuss the opportunities, achievements and challenges in delivering this growth.

Event format maximizes networking opportunities

TOC Middle East takes place in the 5 star Le Méridien Hotel & Convention Centre in Dubai. The airport location makes the event easily accessible for international attendees, and the hotel surroundings ensure optimum networking opportunities. The event is comprised of two concurrent debating forums – the Container Supply Chain Conference (CSC) and the TECH TOC Conference; supported by a trade exhibition where industry peers can meet suppliers, swap notes and debate the high level discussion points presented in the conference sessions.

The Container Supply Chain (CSC) element is an executive-level discussion forum focused on international trade, container shipping, port development and logistics, bringing together shippers, shipping lines, 3PLs, port authorities, terminal operators, government and other key supply chain members.

This is complemented by TECH TOC, designed to engage operational executives in the practicalities of port and terminal performance, with in-depth debates on facility design, automation, operations, equipment and technology from berth to gate.

Source: TOC Worldwide