UFM– SUEZ CANAL CONFERENCE ON MARITIME TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
On the 8th and 9th of May, the Union for the Mediterranean welcomed its distinguished guests and speakers to their Suez Canal Conference on Maritime Transport and Logistics held in Ismailia. With H.E. Eng. Sherif Ismail and Ambassador Ihab Fahmy opening the conference, it gave the opportunity to share success stories on how to foster intramodality and connectivity in the Euro‑Mediterranean region and to discuss training and capacity opportunities in the industry.
Considering the rapid growth of demand for mobility, transport and logistics especially in the Middle East and South East Asia, the Mediterranean Sea has gained more and more international relevance during the past years. However, with growth came challenges that ought to be met. The conference offered global players from all sectors to discuss these challenges including sustainability, social development and education. Solutions included a door-to-door logistics, short sea shipping and sea motorways to tackle upcoming needs and to foster regional integration.
In order to monitor these objectives, another item on the agenda covered the launch of the TransLogMED project. Its aim is to provide ground for overseeing further steps in the field and to offer training and knowledge transfer throughout all partnering training centres. These will include activities in locations such as Spain, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia, Alegria, Egypt and Jordan.
Thus, the conference offered a valuable opportunity for exchange and dialogue that will hopefully lay the foundations for future cooperation and growth of the region and its players.