Page 12 - SMI Issue 62

Regional FocusUAEGrowth will slow downWhen Dubai hosts the 61st ISSA Convention & Trade Exhibition, from 31st October to 2nd November, the city will be able to showcase just what it has to offer as a centre for the maritime industry and also the ship supply sector in general.This year’s Convention, will also be held during the Dubai Maritime Week and as a partner of the Seatrade Maritime Middle East event – a strategic moveby Chairman of the UAE National Ship Suppliers Association (UNSSA) SaeedAl Malik (pictured), who said he wanted to ensure that ISSA members wereable to be part of the ISSA itinerary but also benefit from the exhibition and programme offered by Seatrade.Convention gives the opportunity for ISSA members to discuss a variety of issues affecting the ship supply sector worldwide along with meeting fellow associate members to talk about more local challenges.In the UAE, Mr Malik said business was at the same levels as it was in 2015 but suppliers were facing delays in payments from ship operators and managers.“We are doing our best to advise our members to avoid the late paymasters,” said Mr Malik.He said competition was “healthy” though this brought about the issue of the quality of the stores being supplied, however, “it is always up to the ship operator who they want to use.”Mr Malik believes the challenges ship suppliers in the UAE are currently facing will continue until 2018.“I believe the growth will be slowed down for a while so the suppliersare advised to enhance themselves internally,” he said.Speaking about UNSSA, he said the association had to work actively to attract new members but in 2016 had two new members joining.“We are hoping that more ship suppliers will join,” said Mr Malik.“The National Association is now directly involved in the UAE Maritime Advisory Council and UNSSA is a member of the board. I, being the Chairman of UNSSA, have also been appointed by the Prime Minister ofthe UAE as a member of the board of trustees on EMAC (Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre) and this shows the importance of the ship supply industry in the maritime industry.”For more information on the 61st Convention & Trade Exhibition, along with the programme, see page 24. u10 | The Ship Supplier | Issue 70 2016