Shipping and the supply chain discussed by IMO secretary general

Koji  Sekimizu, the secretary general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), recently highlighted the crucial role ports and shipping play where the global supply chain is concerned in a speech. Mr Sekimizu was giving the opening address at the IMO World Maritime Day Parallel Event when he made the comments. This event was held in Peru earlier this month on October 2nd and 3rd. It included activities such as a seminar themed around the focus of 2013’s World Maritime Day, which was “Sustainable Development: IMO’s contribution beyond Rio+20” and saw maritime sector representatives from a variety of countries in attendance. Mr Sekimizu explained to the event that shipping was going to play a central role if the globe was to make sustainable development achievable. “This is because shipping, and ports, are vital links in the global supply chain, the complex mechanism without which today’s inter-dependent, global economy would be simply unable to function,” he said. He explained that shipping was the sole cost-effective means to transport things in bulk over large distances. Shipping’s development and establishing a global trade system were connected intrinsically, the secretary general claimed. He spoke about the part maritime transportation plays within developing nations. In such places, he claimed, a well structured and effective maritime transportation system needs to be in place for prosperity and growth to occur. He said it was crucial that maritime industries developed further in such places. “The benefits of the shipping sector as an enabler of world trade cannot be overstated, especially for the benefit of the developing world and its participation in new trading patterns around the world,” he added. “For the developing world, there are tremendous opportunities arising from a more complete engagement with the shipping sector.” While in Peru, Mr Sekimizu had a meeting with the country’s president, and met several other people too, including minister of foreign relations, Eda Rivas Franchini. Looking for supply chain jobs? At Cast UK our team of expert consultants can help you find your ideal role.