The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence, geopolitical upheaval, and upskilling local talent were just some of the topics under discussion at a high level, two-day forum in Bahrain earlier this week, attended by APM Terminals CEO, Keith Svendsen.

Participating in the panel debate ‘Adapting to a Shifting Global Trade Landscape’ Keith told conference goers: “Adapting to a Shifting Global Trade Landscape requires two necessary key changes: the development of a clear and comprehensive vision for the supply chain, and the division of these massive global supply chain systems into more agile components.

Of APM Terminals’ presence in the region and globally, he said: “We’re here to build more than sustainable infrastructure and to boost logistics—at the heart of it all, it’s about people. Our mission is to grow talent and foster diversity that goes way beyond this sector. Because when we invest in people, we’re setting up a foundation that lasts.”

Flexibility, hubs key

Keith referred to flexibility, a clear-sighted vision, and the utilisation of key hubs in addressing the parallel issues of governments seeking to nearshore manufacturing, at a time when key trade routes are being physically blocked by geopolitical conflict.

In the debate, part of the Gateway Gulf Forum, Keith was joined by H.E. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Kingdom of Bahrain; Henadi Al-Saleh, Chairperson, Agility; and Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. The panel was moderated by CNN’s Richard Quest.

Public-Private Sector Partnerships

Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, with the support of senior officials across the Kingdom’s finance, investment and industry portfolio, the Gateway Gulf Forum provided a platform in which private and public sector cooperation was championed with the aim of creating an innovative investment environment for business.

In addressing the facilitation of investment in Bahrain, Keith told local reporters that: “As technology skills become more transferable, we aim to cultivate expertise that benefits Bahrain’s economy more broadly.” He added: “Beyond our logistical commitments, a core mission is to develop people, building talent and diversity that extends beyond the sector.”

Accreditation in the region

Beyond the conference, the APM Terminals Bahrain team was singled out by Forbes Middle East last month in a listing of the region’s Sustainability Leaders 2024. APM Terminals’ Matthew Luckhurst, Managing Director APM Terminals Bahrain was applauded on behalf of the terminal for the Memorandum of Understanding to evaluate and establish a ship recycling initiative. In addition, the publication referenced the $10m-investment in solar power announced by APM Terminals as operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port which will make the port the first in the region to be fully powered by renewable energy. As of September 2024, two zones out of six are completed and commissioned, generating around 1GWh per year