Security Confex expresses greater need for regional cooperation

More than 500 international delegates heard the message at the event which ends its 2006 run at Dubai's Grand Hyatt tonight. APTS ME is the region's only integrated conference and exhibition to focus exclusively on the challenges facing airport, port and transport terminals.

Mahmoud Mohd Amin, Head of Group Security, Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) said: "APTS ME has ensured excellent networking among global security industry professionals who have unanimously declared that the region needs greater interaction and cooperation for higher security standards.

"The event has already set an agenda for next year through the various discussions held on policing intelligence, enhanced border security, developments in aviation, port and border security, and a secure supply chain."

Amin also stressed the need for more local partners to be involved in events like APTS ME in order to evaluate themselves on international standards.

"APTS ME has brought together an excellent panel of security experts from whom regional institutions could learn some very vital aspects of reducing security threats," said Amin.

Besides the number of delegates to the conference that doubled from last year, visitor numbers to the exhibition too increased by nearly 43%.

"In its second year itself, APTS ME has been successful in doubling the size of the exhibition as well as conference delegate and visitor numbers," said David Wood, Managing Director of International Business Events, organisers of APTS ME.

"This is a reflection of the importance given to regional security and the requirement of shared knowledge that will eventually bring greater regional cooperation among the GCC countries.

"The importance of APTS ME was underscored by the presence of senior officials including the New York City Police Commissioner during 9/11, Hon Bernard B. Kerik, CBE; Donald R Zoufal from the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications and Charlie Stevens from the UK Immigration Service," added Wood.

Mohammed Lengawi, Head of Security, Department of Civil Aviation too stressed the fact that sharing knowledge amongst regional countries will help the human element in the midst of all the high-end security technology that is available. He said, "No technology can give us a full guarantee that our airport is completely secure and safe."

On the technology front, the exhibition that ran alongside the conference provided an opportunity for companies, at the forefront of maritime and aviation security technology, to showcase their latest product and service solutions. These included screening and detection equipment, CCTV and other surveillance systems, new and emerging technologies, personnel identification and verification and access control devices and baggage handling systems.

"The exhibition had products that catered to all sectors within the aviation, maritime and logistics security industry and was useful to my company," said Brigadier Ian A McPhee, Managing Director, KSP International Ltd, security consultants to many of Oman's government departments.

Reflecting that view was Mohammed Al Hajiri from the Civil Aviation Department, Abu Dhabi Airport who said: "Most companies exhibiting at the event displayed products that were essential to everybody at the event and we got to see an amazing variety and selection."

The conference also offered in-depth analysis of port and maritime security and was attended by ship owners, port owners and managers and representatives from law enforcement and government agencies and suppliers from the international maritime community.

APTS ME 2006 was hosted by the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and Chairman, Emirates Group.

Leading industry associations and government bodies who supported the conference included Bahrain International Airport, Sharjah International Airport and Fujairah Airport. APTS ME was also supported by DP World, Emirates, Dubai Shipping Agents Association, Arab Air Carriers Organisation and UK Trade & Investment.