DP World, was a part of the virtual CEO Forum: Challenges and Future Opportunities for Ports and Shipping in the Gulf Cooperation Council, held on 6 October
The event united industry experts who shared insights on the hurdles faced due to the current COVID-19 crisis and elaborated on favourable opportunities in the region.
Shahab Al Jassmi, commercial director of ports and terminals, DP World, UAE Region, spoke about the roadblocks in business due to the global crisis and also revealed key strategies DP World, UAE Region employs to overcome these challenges.
Since the onset of COVID-19, DP World, UAE Region focuses on facilitating an uninterrupted flow of medical supplies and essential goods. To ensure trade flow amid a deteriorating market, the company also introduced key digital initiatives with a focus on prudent cost management, better productivity, asset utilisation and automation processes. Their initiatives such as Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) Customer Support, in addition to other measures like flexible monthly rental payments, deferred payments and choice of leasing warehouses on a short-term basis, have complemented the government?s strategy, boosting the maritime sector in the UAE and the Middle East region.
Lauding the CEO Fourm, Sheikh Yousef Al Abdullah Al Sabah Al Nasser Al Sabah, director general, Kuwait Ports Authority and president, Arab Sea Ports Federation, said, ?Businesses have to adapt to the current economic environment and evaluate their processes to continue to generate revenue for the nation. It?s time for us to move away from old ways and adopt improved strategies to sustain in this new world. Evaluating the situation, I think that automation is definitely the major as it not only increases efficiency, but it also reduces costs after the initial investment.?
Combating the crisis in the maritime sector
According to Jassmi, ?It is important for the maritime community to come together and formulate means to eliminate threats to the business. We were delighted to be a part of the Transport Events Limited CEO Forum. Events like these reflect the region?s spirit of unity and cooperation in responding to the economic upheaval.?
Susan Hunter, CEO, APM Terminals, Bahrain, said, ?The maritime sector is the lifeline of economies around the world. The CEO Forum facilitated experiential knowledge sharing, contributing to boosting regional and international trade. Despite the crisis, a detailed plan of action is essential for the growth of the business. Delivering business continuity and upholding the health and safety of our employees is vital.?
CEO Forum hosted top-management panelists from ports and terminals in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The virtual event offered a platform for professionals to network and helped them build a valuable contact base. Discussions included various topics, ranging from business setbacks to new developments in the field.
