Now in its seventh year, the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) 2014 Shifting International Trade Routes workshop, co-sponsored by the US Maritime Administration and hosted by the Tampa Port Authority, will examine the effect of the world economic outlook on investment decisions, cargo movements and international trade in general.

The assumption that evolving economic and societal considerations affect all players in the supply chain will be the overriding theme for the 1½-day workshop, which is slated for January 23-24, in Tampa, Fla. 

Experts from many facets of the transportation, financial and economic analysis industries will address the range of issues related to dynamic, global and hemispheric trade. 

Topics will include international economic outlooks on trends and shifts in global trade, as well as the views of ocean carriers, ports, terminal operators, warehouse and distribution centers, and rail interests on trade shifts.
"As we seek ways to stimulate our economic recovery and future growth, we should focus on the importance of implementing policies and funding that will sustain and improve our critical gateways for global trade," said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO.

"For nations throughout the Western Hemisphere, raising the priority of investments in ports and connecting infrastructure is an essential and effective utilization of limited resources and helps make them more internationally competitive in an increasingly fierce trading environment."

Mr Nagle further noted that the discussion during AAPA's seventh Shifting International Trade Routes workshop "will add layers of information and insight to help the seaport industry better position itself for future growth and success."

Paul Anderson, Tampa Port Authority's chief executive, said, "The Tampa Port Authority is again very pleased to host this successful AAPA conference, bringing together top transportation and logistics minds from across the country. We're in an exciting, dynamic era in international trade, and this forum is a perfect opportunity to share ideas that will lead to prosperity, strong relationships and actions that will be critical to our economy."