2nd Edition of the Algiers Maritime Forum: “Safety, Compliance, and Risk Management in Modern Maritime Industry” — Mahmoud Nedjai, CEO of Global Trade Support, Tells Us More
At a time when security and compliance have become strategic imperatives for the maritime industry, Algeria is positioning itself as a key player by hosting the second edition of the Algiers Maritime Forum.
Organized by Global Trade Support (GTS), this event highlights the challenges and opportunities in the sector under the theme “Safety, Compliance, and Risk Management in Modern Maritime Industry.” The forum aims to serve as a space for dialogue and reflection for maritime stakeholders, providing a platform to exchange best practices and innovations in the field. To better understand the ambitions and stakes of this event, Maritimafrica spoke with Mahmoud Nedjai, CEO of Global Trade Support. In this exclusive interview, he discusses the reasons behind the creation of the forum, the importance of this year’s theme, and the prospects it opens for the development of the maritime sector in Algeria and Africa.
1. Can you briefly introduce Global Trade Support and explain why you initiated the Algiers Maritime Forum?
Global Trade Support is a company born from years of experience in supporting businesses. This essential role, central to the dynamism of economic networks, is at the heart of our mission: to foster business development through training, seminars, and conferences. We provide our clients and partners with spaces for exchange and reflection, aiming to stimulate growth and innovation within their organizations.
Our decision to focus on the maritime sector stems from a deep conviction: it is unthinkable for a country with a 2,145 km Mediterranean coastline— ranking among the top five economic zones in the Mediterranean—and bordered by maritime boundaries with African and European countries, to lack large-scale maritime events. Algeria, with its oil, commercial, fishing, and passenger ports, deserves such initiatives, as they are crucial for the development of the maritime sector.
With this in mind, we took the initiative to create two major events, including a conference in partnership with the World Trade Center Association. These events are: the Conférence Internationale sur l’Économie Maritime, held annually in November, and the Algiers Maritime Forum, scheduled for April. The latter, unlike its larger counterpart, stands out for its more targeted and concise format, addressing a specific theme in the maritime sector. This approach brings together a dedicated professional community, offering a privileged space to discuss and exchange ideas on challenges related to the chosen theme.
These events are more than mere meetings: they are catalysts for the development of the maritime sector in Algeria and beyond, building bridges between economic actors and strengthening strategic partnerships on an international scale.
2. Why did you choose the theme “Safety, Compliance, and Risk Management in Modern Maritime Industry” for this 2nd edition?
There are many reasons, but let’s start with the most obvious one: the maritime sector includes some of the most dangerous professions in the world. Safety, whether it concerns ships, cargo, or crew, is an absolute priority, governed by international conventions such as MARPOL, SOLAS, the ISM Code, and ISPS, among others. These standards regulate the maritime world and make safety a fundamental pillar of the industry.
Read the full interview on page 141 of our specialist magazine dedicated to ‘Safety, Security and Cybersecurity in the African Blue Economy’ : Maritimafrica Mag #007 « Safety, Security and Cybersecurity in the African Blue Economy » VF
