APTS ME 2006 adds Supply Chain Security conference

To be held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai from April 3 - 4, 2006, APTS ME will bring together top global and regional security experts to discuss crucial topics affecting the aviation, maritime and transport sectors. These include Passenger Screening at a High Traffic Airport, Cargo Screening - Innovation and Best Practice; Securing Gulf Ports; and Maritime Security Priorities - The view from the Shippers.

The new Supply Chain Security conference stream will discuss the Role of Customs in Enhancing Supply Chain Security. It will also hear case studies on Supply Chain Security in Europe - Using Future Technologies to Improve Transport and Logistics Security and The Effectiveness of C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) in Securing the Supply Chain.

"Supply Chain Security (SCS) has become an important component of business and the lack of an adequate SCS program can significantly impact business,"

said David Wood, Managing Director, International Business Events (IBE) Ltd.

"The Middle East logistics industry, according to industry forecasts, is expected to grow at over 25% annually."

"The region is an important global trading hub with the UAE being the world's third most important re-export centre. It needs to ensure the safety and security of goods that are transported through its ports and other
terminals."

"The Supply Chain Security conference stream has been added to highlight the latest global developments, in securing the transport sector, to industry professionals."

APTS ME 2006 will be hosted by the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and Chairman, Emirates Group. HH Sheikh Ahmed will deliver a welcome address at the event.

The confex, this year, has the official support of the leading industry associations and government bodies including Bahrain International Airport and the Bahrain Ministry of Interior, Sharjah International Airport and Fujairah Airport.

"The exhibition has recorded a 70% year on year growth with over 50 international exhibitors signed up for the event. And more than 70 regional and international experts have signalled their participation in the conferences," said Wood.

Some of the key local and regional speakers at the event include Mohammed Thanir Al Kaabi, Acting Airport Director, Bahrain International Airport, Lt. Col. Maher Ahmed Abdul Rehman Bu-Ali - Director Airport Security, Ministry of Interior, Bahrain; and Khalid Al Mazroui, General Manager, Department of Civil Aviation, Fujairah Airport.

The conference will feature keynote speeches on Maritime Security Excellence in the Middle East; New Perspectives on Aviation Security in the Middle East; Civil Aviation and International Security Priorities; Co-ordination of Security Initiatives to Enhance Middle East Carriers' Security; The Nature of the Threat: Terrorism and 'New' Threats to Security and International Counter Terrorism Strategy.

Other key topics to be addressed during the two-day event include Policing and Airport, Port and Border Security in the Middle East; Border Security - Best Practice, Latest Developments and International Co-operation; e-borders and introducing the e-Passport and a panel discussion on Biometrics - Implementation of Biometric Technology and Enhancing Security.

APTS ME is also supported by DP World, Emirates, Dubai Shipping Agents Association, Arab Air Carriers Organisation and UK Trade & Investment.