Green Med Forum, good success in Koper
Slovenia
Monday 17 March 2008
The first international forum on Fresh Produce Maritime Logistics was held on March 10-12 in Koper, Slovenia. The forum was initiated under the patronage of the EU commission UNIDO and with the support of the Port of Koper in Slovenia to solidify Euro-Mediterranean trading relations and improve maritime logistics to further expand the fresh produce industry. The forum engaged over 250 representatives from the industry including exporters, importers, distributors, shipping and freight companies, logistic service providers, port and terminal authorities, government and international institutions both North and South of the Mediterranean. A total of three awards were distributed on behalf of Green Med Journal, the organizers of the event. The “Best Grower” award went to Amagio Enterprises of Cyprus for their unique and high quality varieties of products, specifically citrus, that cater to the demand of the international market. The “Best Exporter” award went to Magrabi Agriculture of Egypt for its strengthened position in the international market distributing to more than 40 countries worldwide with regard to consumer health and environment. The “Best Service Provider” award went to GF Group of Italy, the largest importer and distributor of fresh fruit and vegetables in the Mediterranean and the most diverse logistic operator of inland transport and port operations. A series of roundtable discussions were held with decision makers to identify barriers to effective collaboration, competitiveness and efficiency as well as to increase shipping lines and services, shorter transit times and reduce layover at port terminals. Other discussions centered on time consuming phytosanitary control measures, customs clearing, visa delays, irregular shipping lines and lack of commitment from exporters. Recommendations provided by the participants included creation of a EU-Mediterranean regulatory committee to oversee and reduce bureaucratic measures, institutionalizing phytosanitary labs in host countries and travelling inspection teams to test and approve shipments in their initial stage. The dramatic increase of sea traffic in the Mediterranean and the ability of Mediterranean ports to organize and manage such traffic, and in particular large vessels, will thus influence and determine the extent of the Mediterranean agricultural exports efficiency and competitiveness on the European and other markets.