Recent workshop examined logistics opportunities and competitive advantages
Abu Dhabi Ports recently hosted the KIZAD Logistics Workshop in partnership with the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL) to enhance the awareness and growth prospects of the region’s robust and competitive logistics service industry and provide stakeholders with fast, efficient and cost-effective solutions.
The workshop was aimed at creating awareness about Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi’s (KIZAD) most recent product offerings and solutions.
Multinational organisations that have set up mega projects in KIZAD also attended to share their reasons for choosing the industrial zone as their launchpad for growth. These partners and customers included Agility, COSCO Shipping Ports and Etihad Airways who were part of a panel discussion with Abu Dhabi Ports, KIZAD, Abu Dhabi Terminals and Abu Dhabi Customs representatives.
Global container operator COSCO Shipping Ports has made Khalifa Port its main hub in the region by operating a new container terminal to drive higher volumes, lower freight costs and stimulate more volume.
Another significant venture that will bring strategic logistics, trade and shipping benefits to the region is a milestone agreement between Abu Dhabi Ports and Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
MSC has made Khalifa Port its Arabian Gulf regional container hub, a move that will see the capacity of Khalifa Port expanded while access to vast number of regional and global markets will be enhanced and new foreign direct investment will be achieved.
The 30-year concession agreement, with a US$ 1.1billion investment, will enable MSC to establish a new terminal at Khalifa Port and transfer a number of its operations there.
Part of this rapid development at KIZAD is attributable to the recently-launched KIZAD Logistics City, which offers warehousing services in a pay-per-use model to help potential customers avoid capital expense. The new hub is adjacent to Khalifa Port, one of the fastest growing ports in the world, close to major UAE airports, and seamlessly connected by uncongested highways to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and into Saudi Arabia.
“We are committed to continuing our collaboration to highlight KIZAD as a strategic international logistics and trade hub while facilitating business opportunities for NAFL members and supporting foreign direct investment in the region,” commented Nadia Abdul Aziz, President of NAFL-FIATA UAE, Vice Chair of FIATA extended board and Vice Chair of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)-UAE Customs and Trade Facilitation.
“The KIZAD Logistics Workshop demonstrated the combined value proposition of the fast-growing port, the region’s largest industrial zone as well as the KIZAD Logistics City, which will bring tremendous benefits to our customers’ operations,” stated Samir Chaturvedi, CEO, KIZAD.
In addition to keynote addresses and a panel discussion among captains of industry, members of the logistics community had the opportunity to tour KIZAD and Khalifa Port to get a first-hand experience of the logistics solutions available.
