Seatrade 2004 to feature Mid East's first commodities conference

This will include a stand-alone session on the second day of SMEM devoted to a commodities overview, the state of the market, the region's economic outlook, the warehouse receipt system and the impact of freight rates on commodity trading.

There will be other sessions addressing dry bulk cargoes, energy demand and tanker transportation.

David Rutledge, DMCC's Executive Director, said: "The commodities market in the Middle East is experiencing extremely rapid expansion as a result of the speed of development in the region.

"The market is estimated to be worth around $200 billion in the region and it is critical not only for the economy but as an important factor in determining freight rates and the demand for ship transportation.

"We are extremely pleased to be associated with Seatrade in bringing the first commodities conference to this prestigious event for the shipping industry."

Seatrade, which will feature an industry exhibition and a double-streamed conference focusing on general shipping and the potential of the region's cruise industry, runs from December 6 - 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

To date, exhibitors from 13 countries have signed up for the event, which
Seatrade Managing Director, Christopher Hayman, says will treble in size this year.

"The event remains innovative and is introducing new features like the commodities conference to meet the demands in this industry which is currently going through a period of rapid expansion," said Hayman.

Seatrade Middle East Maritime is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. Organizations supporting the event include: Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Dubai Shipping Agents Association; the National Association of Freight Logistics UAE Branch; the Indian National Shipowners' Association; the Nautical Institute UAE Branch and the UAE National Ship Suppliers' Association.

The event is sponsored by Dubai Maritime City, Dubai Port Authority, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).

Other sponsors include: Aalborg Industries A/S (Dubai branch); the Aqua Group; British Airways; Castrol Marine; Clyde & Co; Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre; HSBC; Instone International; Lloyd's Register; Maritime London; Net Cruises; Norton Rose; Scan-Trans Chartering LLC; Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC and Nico International.