Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2006 set to expand

With 10 months to go before the event SMEM, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 4-6, the event has over 100 individual exhibitors confirmed with country pavilions by 10 nations including China, France, Germany, Holland and India.

"The outlook for business is extremely positive with virtually all sectors in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent are still experiencing growth, "said Christopher Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade, organiser of SMEM.

"Shipping lines are steadily expanding volumes and freight rate levels, regional ports are developing extra facilities and local shipowners are investing in more new building and vessel upgrades.

"At SMEM 2006 the maritime community will be served by a number of conferences covering the hottest issues affecting the Middle East and beyond."

Critical issues to come under the spotlight will include: shipping investment, port development and container transport, energy transport and the growing importance of LNG, ship repair, equipment and supply, shipping finance, maritime services, the environment and port state controls.

"Intra-regional trade links are growing at a tremendous rate and the entire maritime industry, particularly in West and Central Asia, is keeping pace," added Hayman.

"At the centre of this regional growth is the UAE with Dubai as its primary maritime business hub. International charterers, brokers, managers and insurers are all opening offices in the emirate, many in the new industry centre, Dubai Maritime City."