South Asia Maritime & Logistics Forum; Dhaka OCTOBER 9 & 10, 2018

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CONNECTING   NATIONS.   ENABLING  OPPORTUNITIES.

9 & 10 OCTOBER 2018 | LE MÉRIDIEN, DHAKA

Global economic growth, trade and market expansion
brings South Asia onto the centre stage. In this expanding
logistics and maritime services market, massive
opportunities and business prospects await you.
Highlighted by India, the world’s fastest growing major
economy, the Intra-Asia trade and trade expansion with
Africa will witness sound growth over the next decade.
Knowledge of opportunities, connections with right people
and interaction with governments need an organized
platform – South Asia Maritime and Logistics Forum 2018.

SOUTH ASIA:
THE HUB OF
LIMITLESS
POSSIBILITIES

The South Asia Maritime & Logistics Forum aims to
bring together governments, trade associations and industries
in South Asian region in contact with leading business
enterprises from Europe, Middle East, South East Asia
and beyond.

This forum will play a key role in bringing deep insights
into maritime infrastructure, focus on investment opportunities
and bring meaningful relationships to the table. It will explore
opportunities, find solutions for the existing challenges,
share best practices and identify ways to collaborate.
This forum will provide each of the South Asian countries
with an opportunity to market collectively as well as individually.
New business and investment opportunities in the region and
respective countries can be promoted to a global audience.

THE FORUM
South Asia’s leading monthly business magazine, Maritime Gateway
is committed to create a meaningful dialogue to help the shipping
and logistics industry. In presenting cutting-edge information on
the latest happenings, topical issues and current trends in the industry
in the most lucid and coherent way possible, we are guided by a very
strong and knowledgeable editorial advisory board, extensive support
from trade bodies and associations.

We have created some annual discussion forums such as
Containers India, Annual Gateway Awards, Maritime CEO
Conclave, South Asia Maritime & Logistics Forum and Smart
Logistics Summit & Awards that are well attended by the industry.
Our event management division – Gateway Events strives towards
flawless execution, be it small meetings or largest of events. With
more than 10 years exposure gained in this industry, we prepare
market reports and conduct primary and secondary market analyses.

MARITIME GATEWAY
Colombo International Maritime Conference Events is a fully-owned
subsidiary of Shippers’ Academy Colombo. It is a leading South Asian
conference & forum organiser specialised in maritime, logistics,
international trade and transportation.

The Shippers’ Academy Colombo was the very first training institution
of its kind in South Asia with tailored courses for shippers and its
related service providers, exporters and importers who need a hybrid
curriculum of shipper-centric programmes and to offer customised
and focused education, R&D and consultancy services.

Realising the need for a training institute to bridge the gap between
conventional business schools and shipper-centric programmes,
the Shippers’ Academy Colombo was established to enhance skills
and knowledge of the global commerce environment by providing
capacity building programmes.

COLOMBO INTERNATIONAL
MARITIME CONFERENCE EVENTS
www.maritimegateway.com
www.cimc.lk

BANGLADESH:
A TALE OF
TRANSFORMING
LANDSCAPE, RESILIENT
PEOPLE AND EMERGING
OPPORTUNITIES

How should a country be assessed in terms of its state of development or the potential? Surely,
it is the attitude, willingness to change and discipline of the people and the system that a nation
commands. History of nations validates that countries with least amount of resources such as
Japan and Singapore have made it to the top. Similar opportunities beckon lesser-developed
parts/regions of Asia. Indeed, of South Asia as well. This should hold true for the Bay of Bengal
coastal country – Bangladesh.

A nation which promises much in the future by many counts: more than half of the 165+ million
population is young, people with demonstrated adaptability, resilience and innovation, a stable
and well-governed economy with substantial forex reserve, an export-driven economy growing at
over 6% for a decade. No longer is Bangladesh known for its poverty, floods and chaos.

Across the entire spectrum of development, Bangladesh continues to offer the world numerous
innovations and solutions, many of which are replicated. In so many ways, Bangladesh turned
challenges into opportunities. In the comity of nations, irrespective of the level of development,
Bangladesh is regarded for its objective stance on global issues and contribution to global norms.

th  GDP of Bangladesh is currently the 44 largest globally.

 IMF finds Bangladesh’s economy as the second fastest growing major economy
of 2016 @ 7.1%.
 With Dhaka and Chittagong as principal financial hubs, Bangladesh’s financial sector
is the second largest in sub-continent.
 Bangladesh has jumped four spots to 23 in the annual ranking of the worlds’ leading
emerging markets.
 With over US$ 75 billion annual foreign trade (exports and imports together),
Bangladesh is an apparel industry powerhouse with US$ 30 billion+ exports.
th  Improved business climate ranking, moved three notches up to 28 rank.
th  In infrastructure and transport connections, moved three notches up to 44 rank.
 2017 index further consolidates the position of Bangladesh as the emerging
Asian target market.

KEY FACTS

Since 2008, Bangladesh’s GDP has been growing at an average of over 6%, thanks largely
to its exports of apparel industry, inward foreign remittance and robust domestic agriculture
sector. With mega undertakings in the fray, Bangladesh economy aims to break into 7 – 8%
growth trajectory beginning this fiscal. Key export sectors include textiles, ship-building, fish
and seafood, jute and leather goods. And of late, IT and ITES.

Bangladesh is nearly self-sufficient in terms of pharmaceuticals, steel and food processing.
Bangladesh’s telecom industry has witnessed rapid growth over the years, receiving high FDI
from some of the global players. While Bangladesh still stands as Asia’s seventh largest gas
producer, the energy scenario is changing with increasing off-shore exploration activities
within the maritime territory in the Bay of Bengal.

The government resolutely promotes ‘Digital Bangladesh’ with clear focus to use ICT to
address developmental challenges at the grassroots. Multi-modal transportation is a key and
emerging sector that not only fulfills the country’s needs, but also connects Bangladesh to the
neighborhood and aims to develop Bangladesh as a hub within the contiguous Asian
landscape – between the countries in the East and the West. The clear intent of Bangladesh
is to position itself within the existing and emerging regional and global supply and
value chains in every possible way.

INDUSTRIAL CLIMATE

Bangladesh is increasingly strategically important for the economies of north-east India,
Nepal and Bhutan. Bangladeshi seaports can provide competitive maritime access for these
landlocked regions/countries. China also views Bangladesh as a potential gateway for its
landlocked south-west, including Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan. The progress within Bangladesh
– China – India – Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIMEC) and a number of other connectivity
nodes and growth centers should also merit consideration.

The changing face of Bangladesh beckons rising opportunities for logistics industry. It’s time
that global players and investors in international trade, shipping, logistics and infrastructure
development look at Bangladesh anew and make deeper inroad to this emerging land.
Transformative developments are underway within Bangladesh focusing on the development
of the local economy. All these promise significant positive yield to most.

In spite of various constraints and challenges, the Government in Bangladesh is open, liberal,
focused and committed to translate opportunities to leap forward in sustainable development
and resilient industrialization. For logistics industry, Bangladesh undoubtedly presents a space
to redeem the opportunity it offers in terms of its thirst for change, attitude and discipline that
it has kept alive and accomplished over the last one decade’s time.

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

Her Excellency Ms. SHEIKH HASINA
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh at
the recent Bangladesh-Singapore Business Forum
“From a humble subsistence agriculture-based
economy, Bangladesh is shifting towards a modern,
resilient and diversified one. The manufacturing
sectors now occupy four-fifth of our GDP. I invite
the business communities for a partnership role
in our journey towards economic development.
I encourage you to visit Bangladesh and explore
what we have to offer for your businesses and
investment.”

PROGRAMME | LE MÉRIDIEN, DHAKA

DAY 1 – TUESDAY 09 OCTOBER 2018
DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER 2018

14:00 hrs onwards Registrations Open
14:30 – 16:00 hrs (90 mins) Inauguration of SAMLF 2018
16:00 – 16:30 hrs (30 mins) Refreshments
16:30 – 18:00 hrs (90 mins) Plenary Session: Bangladesh: Investment
Opportunities and Infrastructure Growth
18:00 – 19:00 hrs (60 mins) Networking Break
19:00 – 21:30 hrs (150 mins) Entertainment and Welcome Dinner

09:00 – 10:30 hrs (90 mins) Business Session One: Policy Track:
Bilateral Trade, Protocols and Connectivity Projects
10:30 – 11:00 hrs (30 mins) Refreshments
11:00 – 12:00 hrs (60 mins) Business Session Two: Ports and Terminals Track:
Port Infrastructure in South Asia, Expanding and Upgrading
Projects, Capacities and Operational Efficiency
12:00 – 13:00 hrs (60 mins) Business Session Three: Logistics & Distribution Track:
Cargo Transportation, Inland Water Transport, Rail and Road
Connections, Coastal Shipping and Transshipment, Airfreight &

E-commerce
13:00 – 14:00 hrs (60 mins) Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 hrs (90 mins) Business Session Four: Maritime Allied Infrastructure:
Dredging, Shipbuilding and Bunkering
15:30 – 16:00 hrs (30 mins) Coffee Break
16:00 – 17:00 hrs (60 mins) Valedictory Session: Closing of the Conference

R E A S O N S
WHY SHOULD YOU
ATTEND THIS FORUM 7
YOU WILL JOIN 300+
PROFESSIONALS FOCUSED
ON SOUTH ASIA
Be a part of the largest
gathering of ports and
shipping professionals.
The best and sharpest minds
of the container industry will
be present.

GOVERNMENTS AND
PORT AUTHORITIES WILL
BE IN ATTENDANCE
You will get a perspective of
the regulatory framework and
policy initiatives through
attending shipping ministry
representatives, policy makers
and port authorities.

FOCUSED SESSIONS
With tracks focused on
status updates on global
trends, carrier’s perspective,
port infrastructure and logistics
trends – you will be able to get
in-depth information that will
interest you.

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
You can connect with the right
people and make business
happen. Quality of leads you
will find at this forum would be
exciting.

HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS
Our speakers are proven
business leaders, strategists,
practitioners and peers. Many
of them are current shipping
professionals, others are
well-respected industry leaders.
We make sure that you’re
hearing from the best.

TAKEAWAYS
At this forum, all the
attendees will receive
a complementary
connectivity map of
South Asia.

HAVE FUN!
Attendance to this forum
gets you access to the most
prestigious dinner night, where
you can meet old friends and
make some amazing new
friends!
 Governments: National / Federal
 Senior Bureaucrats
 Funding Agencies: Banks / Financial Institutions / Venture Capitalists
 Shippers: Importers, Exporters, Retailers, Manufacturers
 Ports: Inland, Ocean Terminal
 Ocean Carriers: MLOS / Feeder Operators / Coastal Operator
 Container Train Operators
 Trucking and Haulage Companies
 Distribution Centres / Warehouses
 3PLs / Freight Forwarders
 Technology Service Providers
 Port Equipment Providers
 Trade and Industry Associations
 Lawyers / Insurance Companies / Consultants

WHO WILL PARTICIPATE?
 Several agencies like World Bank and UK Investment Board are planning to deploy
funds for maritime infrastructure development in Bangladesh. Private entrepreneurs
are equally interested in building infrastructure. This forum would act as a catalyst
to get these investments materialize.

 As a global export driven manufacturing economy, Bangladesh will send a positive
signal to the investors and existing entrepreneurs that the country is focusing on
the most important sector that drives manufacturing exports and trade in general.
 Global retail giants will see this as a move in the positive direction, as smart
and efficient logistics are tools for competitiveness in today’s market.
 Companies in shipping and logistics business will witness focus of Government
in this sector and will be enthusiastic at potential of investment opportunities.
 This forum will bring regional synergies and cooperation to increase trade
and transport links with South Asia and Asian nations.

 This programme will generate ideas, innovations, best practices and
new knowledge to the government on future planning and development, so that
gaps can be understood.
 It will create a positive impact on the local business communities and
general public.

BENEFITS OF THE FORUM
For the first time the maritime community and stakeholders from
eight South Asian nations came together at Mumbai to collectively
explore business opportunities and resolve the challenges.
MUMBAI 2017: A LOOK AT THE FIRST EDITION
Mr. Nitin Jairam Gadkari delivering his message at SAMLF 2017
In his inaugural address, through a video message at the launch of the
first edition of South Asia Maritime & Logistics Forum (SAMLF) in India,
Mr. Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and
Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in the Government
of India, assured India’s support to all the neighbouring countries in building
infrastructure and bringing down logistics costs.

“WE ARE COMMITTED
TO SOUTH ASIA REGION
DEVELOPMENT”

(L to R) Matías Herrera Dappe, Sr. Economist, World Bank Group; H.E M Riaz
Hamidullah, High Commissioner, Bangladesh High Commission to Sri Lanka;
Shailesh Garg, General Manager – Managing Director, Drewry Maritime Services
Pvt. Ltd.; Rohan Masakorala, Sr. Consultant, Ports & Aviation, SEMA President
Office, Sri Lanka; Romesh David, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia Gateway
Terminals (Pvt.) Ltd.

Inaugural session underlined the significance of South Asia in the
global maritime trade and also emphasized upon the infrastructure
challenges that could be overcome in the mutual interest of all
partners through collaboration.

COME TOGETHER TO CAPITALISE

(L to R) Capt. Vivek S. Anand, Director, NYK Line (India) Ltd.; Capt. Dheeraj Bhatia,
Managing Director, Hapag-Lloyd India Pvt. Ltd.; Michael Pinto, IAS (Retd.), Former
Secretary, Ministry of Shipping-Moderator; Michael Julian Bevis, Sr. Director – Group
Relations, South Asia, AP Moller-Maersk; Capt. Swaminathan Rajagopalan, Commercial
Director, CMA CGM Agencies India Pvt. Ltd.; Tissa Wickramasinghe, Chief Business
Development Officer, Colombo International Container Terminal.

(L to R) Upul Jayatissa, Chief Manager – Marketing & Business Development, Sri Lanka
Port Authority; Mike Formoso, Managing Director, PSA International Pte Ltd. India; Tissa
Wickramasimghe, Chief Business Development Officer, Colombo International Container
Terminals Ltd.; Vinita Venkatesh, Director, Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal; Romesh
David, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt.) Ltd.; Atul C. Kulkarni,
Advisor, Indian Ports Association; Ahamedul Karim Chowdhury, Terminal Manager ,
Chittagong Port Authority; SN Srikanth, Founder & Sr. Partner, Hauer Associates Maritime
& Port Consultants.

Evolution or rather revolution is taking place faster than expected in the port
and shipping sector. The session picked up some ongoing and imminent issues
that might completely change the landscape of the sector in the region.
CONSOLIDATION WILL CREATE NEW IMPETUS
By 2025, trade in ASEAN will grow to $200 billion and the ports need to
gear up accordingly to ensure efficient movement of cargo among countries
in the Bay of Bengal.

PORT INFRASTRUCTURE: GEARING UP FOR BIG VESSELS

(L to R) Jagath Pathirane, Chairman, Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders Association;
Rajan Sharma, Former President, Nepal Freight Forwarders Association; Amal Rodrigo,
Director, Hayleys Free Zone Ltd.; Sean Van Dort, Director, Global Shippers Forum; Vincent
Lee, Business Development Director, STENN International Singapore; Mahbubul Anam,
President, Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association; Rochana Jayawardana, Director –
Business Development & HR, CL Synergy.

Digitisation has to replace tedious documentation and bureaucratic
procedures and the industry should collaborate to bring logistics cost down.

SPEED AND EFFICIENCY IS THE KEY
WHAT THEY SPOKE

V. Kalyana Rama, CMD, Container Corporation of India
“India and South Asia are strategically located with regard to global trade and the FTAs
signed among the countries in the region is helping trade growth. But to attain true potential
it is essential that linkages by rail, road and the maritime route are further strengthened.”
H.E. Riaz Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka
“Policy, regional economic co-operation and strategic collaboration among nations to
boost trade. Apart from cargo, there is also potential for cruise service between countries
in the Bay of Bengal. Members of the shipping community should look beyond the port
and shipping sector for innovation and form partnerships with others like cargo owners
to create the required synergy.”

Matías Herrera Dappe, Sr. Economist, World Bank Group
“0.1 unit increase in efficiency can bring down logistics cost by 2.3% and boost exports
by 1.8%. Hence, ports in this region need to stay focussed on performance and efficiency.”
Michael Julian Bevis, Sr. Director (Group Relations), South Asia, AP Moller-Maersk
“South Asian or Indian ports should not be looked at in isolation as the dilemma has been
there globally. Ports needed to have efficient infrastructure in place to compete globally.”
Capt. Rahul Choudhuri, MD – AMEA, Veritas Petroleum Services

“As the trade grows in South Asia, there is also an increased focus on providing bunkering
services. This brings into focus the quality of fuel as the industry at the global level is
conscious about reducing emissions of ships that move about 90% of the global Exim cargo.”
Rajan Sharma, Former President, Nepal Freight Forwarders Association
“In a globalised world that is rapidly progressing with the help of technology, companies across
the region should digitise their operations to avoid tedious documentation processes.”
Tissa Wickramasinghe, Chief Business Development Officer, Colombo International
Container Terminal

“Colombo Port is getting ready to service ultra large carriers. The port development was
completed in 28 months and in the first year it recorded business of more than 1 million teu,
most of which came from India.”

This conference will help you realize profitable relationships with influential decision makers and
allow you to stand out from crowd and achieve increased corporate and brand visibility. This is a
perfect platform to promote your company and showcase your strengths to high-profile
individuals, companies and stakeholders from the South Asian nations’ maritime sector.
We shall constantly create visibility and value for companies that partner with South Asia Maritime
& Logistics Forum 2018 and provide significant recognition and acknowledgment across the
event, run-up to the event, at the event and post-event. Our sponsors and partners will be
highlighted as true owners spearheading the cause of uplifting maritime trade and industry, and
adding value to the larger maritime goals of South Asian nations.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ESTEEMED PARTNERS, SPONSORS & PARTICIPANTS OF 2017

CMI
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ESTD. 1929
INDIAN SECRETARIAT
Gateway Media Private Limited
407, 5th Floor, Pavani Plaza, Khairatabad
Hyderabad – 500 004 Telangana India
T: +91 40 2330 0061 M: +91 77029 50879

SRI LANKAN SECRETARIAT
CIMC Events
Shippers’ Academy Colombo, 105, Hunupitiya
Lake Road, Colombo – 2 Sri Lanka
E: [email protected] / [email protected]
T: +94 11 3560 844 M: +94 7738 20703

CONTACTS
FOR SPEAKER SLOTS & REGISTRATION
Meenakshi
Conference Manager
M: +91 77029 50879
E: [email protected]
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Satish

National Sales Manager
M: +91 99207 05534
E: [email protected]
Mail us at: [email protected]
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