Procurement strategies have metamorphed from just being a function to aid the supply chain process to becoming one of the most crucial aspects of supply chain management. Highlighting the importance of procurement, Fleming Gulf's Procurement Strategy Summit launched yesterday, 17 September 2013 at Amwaj Rotana, Dubai. The two day summit will see leading experts discuss the latest developments, enhancements and new technologies transforming the Middle East to offer a greater volume of opportunity across industry sectors. Day one of the event saw key sessions looking into the Vision of Procurement and Strategising the Procurement Function in the Middle East. Speaking on these key issues were procurement leaders Jason Brown (National Bank Abu Dhabi), Stewart Morisson (Nokia), Waleed Elhenawy (Kraft Foods), Juwaid Al Omari (GE Power and Water) and Hariharan Laxminarayan (Emirates Aluminum). Nick Ford, Business and Marketing Development Director at Xchanging Procurement Services and event sponsor presented on how to enhance the procurement business whilst working with third party procurement partners. Attendees were also seen discussing on a panel to enable the use of procurement for a successful business model.

The event today is looking to highlight the benefits of 'Next Generation Procurement'. Schedule to speak on contracting strategy framework and strategic approach to supplier base management are Mike Anwana and Shailendra Chouhan of RasGas and Mohamed Habib of Emirates Steel respectively. Eng Moustafa Helmy of Qatar Foundation will be seen addressing the delegation on the implementation of technology and how to automate the e-tendering process. The summit will also see attendees discuss on the deploying the IT framework and how procurement is considered as a value add to the profitability of an organisation.

In a series of pre-event interviews, we asked some of our expert speakers about the importance of procurement management and where the Middle East is headed. We offer some of their quotes and their opinions below.

"Challenges are twofold; Lack of talented engineers who understand corporate requirements and customize tools accordingly & inability of employees to quickly learn technology and maximize its use" - Emirates Steel, Head of Contracts, Mohamed Ali Habib.

"Key issues I think procurement management is grappling with within the Region is the security of supply and commitment of Suppliers" - RasGas Company Limited, Head Contract Services; CIPS, Chairman, Mike Anwana

Sponsored by Xchanging Procurement Services, the Procurement Management Summit is supported by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply(CIPS), Supply Chain & Logistics Group (SCLG) and Universal Freight Organisation (UFO). Attendees will also receive 3CPD Credit Points by The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) UAE Council.

The conference is supported by leading trade associations like CIPS, CILT, SCLG and Universal Freight Organization.

About Fleming Gulf Conferences
Fleming Gulf is a leading provider of business intelligence through industry specific conferences, webinars and skills enhancement training courses by leveraging our network of industry influencer's with specialist knowledge to provide organisations the winning edge that makes a difference in their decision making in today's competitive business landscape.

Media Contact:
Manohar Bharwani
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