Etihad Airways announce support for International Freight Week

It is estimated that Middle East economies could save as much as $74bn by changing the way global logistics are managed.

"International Freight Week has been created specifically to address the economic needs of the region and the ambitions of international companies involved in the logistics industry," said Sarah Woodbridge, Group Director - Exhibitions, IIR Middle East - organisers of the event, which makes its debut at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 23-25 November this year.

"The Middle East is ideally placed as a key logistics hub, and investment projects are underway to deliver efficient transport and logistics infrastructures," she added. "Recent reports indicate that the Middle East will experience significant development throughout the entire transport and logistics industry in the immediate term."

Recognising the vital role that International Freight Week will play in helping the region realise its ambitions, Etihad Airways has confirmed its position as key sponsor for the event.

"Etihad Crystal Cargo is very proud to be the official airline and headline sponsor of International Freight Week which will bring thousands of industry exhibitors, delegates and leaders to Abu Dhabi," said Des Vertannes, Executive Vice President Cargo at Etihad Airways.

"The show is set to be a great event and will once again highlight the prominence of regional logistics as well as enabling Etihad Crystal Cargo to showcase its growing network of destinations and services."

Recent Abu Dhabi developments show the true scale of regional potential.

$10bn has been allocated for the new Khalifa Port superhub, while other multi-billion dollar investments include $8.15bn investment in 3 industrial cities, a $6.8bn airport expansion, the construction of a new highway to move goods to the east of the Capital District and a new freight line connecting the new port, airport and Jebel Ali with the other GCC countries.

Middle East governments have already committed over $147bn to transport projects, and the GCC is also studying the feasibility of a trans-Gulf railway network that will link the region's ports, thus further boosting freight traffic.

"There has been a 22% increase in cargo volume at Abu Dhabi airport alone, and the expansion plans will see this grow even further," added Woodbridge. "Emerging markets just don't come any bigger than Abu Dhabi, the richest city in the world and one that has a clear vision for sustainable long-term economic growth."

An all-encompassing global logistics event, International Freight Week will showcase the latest products and services relating to Road Haulage, Warehousing, Rail Freight, Air Cargo, Container and Reefer Manufacture, Ports Management, Shipping, Container Depots and Terminals, Tank Manufacture, Logistics Service Providers, RFID & Technology Suppliers, Materials Handling and Security.

Many major international logistics leaders have already confirmed their participation, including SSI Schaefer International, Maersk Logistics, Rinol Hellas S.A., Airdex International Inc., and DHL.

Leading regional companies, including GAC Logistics, Airlink International UAE and Aramex will also be well represented, as will government in the form of Abu Dhabi Terminals, Abu Dhabi Airport Co., Dubai Logisitics City, Abu Dhabi Customs and Fujairah International Airport.

International Freight Week takes place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 23-25 November 2008.