Dubai recently hosted the Maritime Silk Road Ports Cooperation Forum for 2026, alongside a promotional event for the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, gathering around 200 delegates from the port, shipping, and logistics sectors across the Middle East and various countries worldwide. The event served as an international platform for dialogue and vision exchange regarding the future of the industry amidst rapid transformations in global trade and supply chains.
The forum saw extensive interactions and in-depth discussions, emphasizing the importance of enhancing collaboration between port partners and shipping companies at both regional and international levels. The focus was on practical connectivity and integration between ports, recognized as crucial factors in supporting sustainable growth and joint development within the shipping and logistics sectors.
Keynote speeches were delivered by notable figures, including Wang Xiao Jia, a consultant at the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai; Yang Xiao Guang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Ports Association; and Ye Chi Hang, Deputy General Manager of the Zhejiang Ports Group and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. Additionally, Salah Sharaf, Vice President of Sharaf Group, was present, along with numerous high-ranking executives from global ports and shipping firms, including representatives from Germany, Denmark, France, and Djibouti, as well as major international shipping companies like Maersk, CMA CGM, Ocean Network Express, Pacific International Lines, and Evergreen, alongside representatives from the UAE’s ports and logistics officials.
Participants discussed the pivotal role ports play as vital links in international trade, highlighting current trends in low-carbon green development, as well as the digital and intelligent transformation within the ports and shipping industries. The speakers unanimously agreed that addressing global challenges and seizing future opportunities necessitates improved coordination and international collaboration, alongside adopting innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of supply chains.
During the event, the official launch of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Container Shipping Price Index for exports to the Middle East was announced. This initiative aims to provide accurate and up-to-date shipping price data, assisting global partners in tracking market trends and enhancing their operational decisions. The Ningbo Shipping Exchange presented an overview of the index’s operational framework and objectives.
The performance of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port was reviewed, showcasing its primary business areas and international partnerships. Practical examples of integrated Ningbo-Zhoushan logistics channels were also highlighted, demonstrating high-efficiency and reliable solutions to support global supply chains.
During open discussion sessions, representatives from shipping companies and port institutions exchanged thoughts on industry trends and future collaboration pathways. This interaction deepened mutual understanding and expanded cross-border partnership networks. Additionally, the forum revealed its new identity under the name “Pop Pop,” inspired by the concept of dialogue bubbles, symbolizing communication, openness, and the continuity of international dialogue.
It is noteworthy that the Dubai forum marked the first stop in the global promotional tour for the Maritime Silk Road Forum 2026, serving as the initial in-depth engagement with the Middle East ahead of the main forum scheduled to take place in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, from May 26 to 28, 2026, under the theme “Resilient Harmony… Shared Prosperity.”