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Event Background
EVENT
Connectivity Investment Conference on Green and Efficient Ports
Connectivity Investment Conference on Green and Efficient Ports
4-5 December

2025

TIME: 4-5 December 2025, 09:00 – 18:00 (GMT+8)

LOCATION: Beijing, China

EVENT RECORDINGS
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SUMMARY

Co-organized by the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF), African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Islamic Development Bank, CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and ADB-PRC Regional Knowledge Sharing Initiative, this flagship conference explored port sector trends, case studies, lessons learned, and cutting-edge solutions to pressing challenges in the areas of sustainability, digital transformation, operational efficiency, and financing.

Distinguishing it from the many events focused on ports, trade, and maritime transport, the conference featured unique knowledge-sharing and engagement opportunities among its seven co-organizing multilateral development banks (MDBs) and participating developing country officials, financiers, global port experts, and private sector representatives, across a range of timely and practical topics:

  • How resilient, sustainable, digital, and efficient port development can promote broader, high-quality connectivity infrastructure growth
  • The latest technological, institutional, managerial, and financial innovations and reforms globally to support port development and upgrades to maximize their role in trade facilitation and sustainable growth
  • Deepening collaboration between International Financial Institutions (IFIs), developing country port regulators, financiers, and port operators to address priorities such as financing the preparation and implementation of new and retrofit investments for resilient, sustainable, digital, and smart ports
AUDIENCE

The conference was designed for three primary audiences:

  • Government: Officials from port authorities, port regulators, ministries of transport, statutory authorities, and environment, and industry agencies, with a focus on developing countries
  • Financiers: Staff of IFIs, developing country financiers, national infrastructure banks, corporate banks, and global climate funds
  • Private sector: Representatives from a selected number of port and terminal operators, designers, builders, technical systems specialists, logistics company staff, and global supply chain specialists
FORMAT

The conference was in-person and highly interactive, allowing participants to engage with MDBs, peer ports, and developing country ministries and agencies, as well as global experts. Speaker presentations, case studies, and discussions were conducted in English.

Participants engaged through roundtable exchanges, quick-answer apps, and question and answer sessions at the end of each panel discussion.

AGENDA
Speakers
Zhongjing Wang
Zhongjing Wang
Chief Executive Officer, MCDF
<p>Mr. Zhongjing Wang is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF). Before being appointed as CEO, he served as Head of the Interim Secretariat tasked with establishing the multilateral finance facility. Mr. Wang is a global leader and advocate for high quality connectivity infrastructure with a relentless focus on diversity, transparency, equality, innovation, and collaboration.</p> <p>Prior to joining the MCDF, Zhongjing served as the Director-General of the Center for Evaluation of the World Bank Loan Projects in the Chinese Ministry of Finance leading the cooperation between China and multilateral financial institutions and bilateral development partners with an annual lending portfolio of roughly $7 billion. He has served on the Board of multiple international organizations and financial mechanisms, including the Asian Development Bank, the New Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and Adaptation Fund. He was a council member of the Global Environmental Facility, Global Infrastructure Facility, and the Women Entrepreneurship Finance Initiative. Mr. Wang holds an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, a Certificate of International Tax Program from Harvard Law School and an LL.B from Peking University.</p>
Ede Ijjasz
Ede Ijjasz
Senior Advisor to the CEO, MCDF
<p>Ede Ijjasz is currently Senior Advisor to the CEO of the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance, MCDF. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of several organizations and foundations, including the Global Reporting Initiative, GRI, one of the first organizations that developed ESG standards, currently used by more than 10,000 organizations in over 100 countries.</p> <p>Mr. Ijjasz had a long career at the World Bank, where he was part of the senior leadership responsible for the sustainable development, infrastructure, and climate change portfolios. He has worked in more than 90 developing and emerging economies in all regions of the world – from fragile and conflict-affected countries to high-middle-income countries. Mr. Ijjasz was responsible for about $80B of investments in and close to 800 policy reports during his World Bank career. He oversaw the implementation of the social standards of the World Bank’s ESG framework in the entire World Bank portfolio.</p> <p>Mr. Ijjasz has a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has been a lecturer at Tsinghua, Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown universities.</p>
Mohamed Mmadi Ahamada
Mohamed Mmadi Ahamada
Project Coordinator, Comoros Interisland Connectivity Project
<p>Maritime Affairs Administrator, Mr. Mohamed M’madi Ahamada, holds a postgraduate degree in Coastal and Maritime Activities from the University of Gabon, in collaboration with the University of Nantes in France and the University of Rimouski in Canada. He has worked in the port and maritime sector since 2000.&nbsp;</p> <p>From 2000 to 2021, he successively held the positions of Director of Studies at the Port of Moroni, Associate Researcher for the United Nations (UN) on the development of a maritime policy in the Comoros (Division of Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, United Nations Office of Legal Affairs), Deputy Director of Maritime Transport at the Ministry of Transport in the Comoros, Commissioner in Charge of Infrastructure at the Governorate of the Union of the Comoros, Director of Maritime Affairs in the Comoros, and others. Since 2021, he has been the Coordinator of the Comoros Maritime Connectivity Project.</p>
Capt. Allan Gray
Capt. Allan Gray
CEO
Sentient Ports, IAPH Council Member
<p>Captain Allan Gray, now at the helm of Sentient Ports, a division of Sentient Hubs, brings a wealth of global industry experience and seasoned leadership to his role. As the former President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority (HPA) since November 2019, Captain Gray led a dedicated team focused on driving economic prosperity for the region through the Port's core businesses: cargo, cruise, and real estate. His strategic vision in digital transformation, decarbonization, and safe, efficient port operations has been instrumental in balancing the needs of community, economics, and the environment.</p> <p>Under his stewardship, HPA initiated several groundbreaking projects and initiatives, including the visionary 50-Year Plan and the development of The PIER at the Seaport, Canada's first living lab for the transportation and supply chain sector. The HPA and its partners earned an International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Sustainability Award in the “Digitalization” category in 2023. Moreover, the Marine Container Examination Facility in Fairview Cove at the Port of Halifax was recognized as the first Envision V3 Verified Project in Canada.</p> <p>Prior to his tenure at the Halifax Port Authority, he served as General Manager of Fremantle Ports in Australia. Captain Gray was awarded life membership in 2013 for his outstanding contributions to the Company of Master Mariners Australia.</p>
Jan Hoffmann
Jan Hoffmann
Global Lead, Maritime Transport and Ports, World Bank
<p>Jan joined the World Bank Transport Global Department in January 2025, as Global Lead Maritime Transport and Ports. Responsibilities include the Container Port Performance Index, the Port Reform Toolkit, and support to World Bank in-country port and shipping projects.</p> <p>From 2003 to 2024, Jan worked for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), since 2016 as Head of the Organization’s Trade Logistics Branch. He developed and led technical assistance programs in trade and transport facilitation, co-authored and coordinated the Review of Maritime Transport, and initiated the Maritime Country Profiles, the International Transport Costs Data Set, and the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index.</p> <p>Previously, Jan spent six years with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago de Chile, and two years with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London and Santiago. From 2014 to 2018 was president of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME). Dr Hoffmann has been to more than 140 countries and had his hair cut in 86.</p>
Kadir Basboga
Kadir Basboga
Associate Manager, Regional Integration, Islamic Development Bank
<p>Kadir Basboga is Associate Manager of Regional Integration at the Islamic Development Bank. He has 20 years of experience in international development and regional integration across Asia, MENA and Africa regions. He holds a master's degree in public administration and a Ph.D. in regional planning, both from Cornell University. His Ph.D. research focuses on the planning aspects of cross-border cooperation and regional economic integration in the European Union. He previously studied the role of small enterprises and entrepreneurship in local development. He has published papers in peer-reviewed academic journals.</p>
Admiral Ossama Saleh
Admiral Ossama Saleh
Vice Chairman, Red Sea Port Authority (Ministry of Transportation, Egypt)
<p>Admiral Ossama Saleh is a retired admiral who served in the Egyptian navy for 35 years. Since 2023, he is the Vice Chairman of the Red Sea Ports Authority.</p>
Mr. Tauqeer Ahmed
Mr. Tauqeer Ahmed
Executive Manager and Head, Engineering Centre of Excellence, Transnet National Ports Authority
<p>Mr. Tauqeer Ahmed is a Civil Engineering Professional and Executive Manager with 19 years of experience in Civil and Port Engineering, Asset Management, and Research. Certified as a Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP<sup>®</sup>), and holding a Master's in Civil Engineering Technology, he leads the Engineering Centre of Excellence at Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).</p> <p>His strategic focus areas include Hydrogen Research &amp; Planning for ports, advancing Smart Port Technologies, and optimizing Asset Management strategies to support infrastructure resilience and operational efficiency. Tauqeer regularly publishes technical insights on asset management, civil engineering innovation, and green hydrogen, contributing to national discourse on sustainable port development.</p>
Adrian M. Sammons
Adrian M. Sammons
Senior Transport Specialist, Maritime and Ports, Asian Development Bank
<p>Adrian Sammons is an international transport specialist with over 30 years of experience in maritime, ports, and logistics. He currently serves as Senior Transport Specialist (Maritime Transport &amp; Ports) at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), based at its headquarters in Manila, where he leads initiatives to advance sustainable port and maritime development across the Asia - Pacific region. Adrian brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors, having held senior management and director level positions in government as well as in leading shipping and port companies.</p> <p>Adrian is also the founder and Director of AMSTEC Limited, a consultancy established in 2005 that provides strategic advisory services in land and maritime transport, including market analysis, demand forecasting, infrastructure evaluation, and financial modeling for governments and industry.</p> <p>Throughout his career, Adrian has held senior advisory roles with leading international organizations such as UNCTAD, UNESCAP, PRIF, the World Bank, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.</p>
Col. Andre Didace Ciseau
Col. Andre Didace Ciseau
Secretary General, Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA)
<p>Col. Andre Didace Ciseau is a seasoned professional with over 40 years’ extensive experience and various trainings on Advanced Military Safety &amp; Security, Port Management &amp; Operations, Building Construction Technology and Strategic Leadership and Management.</p> <p>He is the current Secretary General of the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA), following his appointment by the PMAESA Board of Directors in 2018. He is also the immediate former Executive Secretary for the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC). Before this role, Col. Ciseau served as the CEO of Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) for 14 years (2004-2018), following his secondment from Seychelles Defense Forces (SDF), where he served for 39 years (1979-2018).</p>
Atiq Ahmad
Atiq Ahmad
Lead Global Transport Specialist Islamic Development Bank
<p>Atiq is the Lead Global Transport Specialist at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) who helps guide in delivering the Bank’s key development objectives in its 57 Member Countries. Atiq has over 30 years’ professional experience and impressive success in developing policies, strategies, plans, procedures and guidelines for the economic and social infrastructure development and portfolio management. He provides expert-level advice, tactical and technical guidance, and top-level supervision to achieve effective collaborations, results-based engagements, enhanced cooperation, high-quality outputs, and intended results. He has served on many senior appointments in the public, private and development sectors. He has a keen interest in innovation, institutional reforms, and capacity development initiatives.</p>
Hwang In-Joong
Hwang In-Joong
Chief Representative, Busan Port Authority (BPA) Shanghai Office
<p>Hwang In-Joong is the Chief Representative of the Busan Port Authority (BPA) Shanghai Office, a position he has held since March 2023. He graduated from Korea Maritime University with a major in International Trade and Law and later earned his master’s degree in Harbor and Logistics.</p> <p>With more than a decade of professional experience in the global shipping industry, including key roles at Maersk Line and other major companies across China, Japan, and Korea, Mr. Hwang has developed deep expertise in port operations, logistics strategy, and international maritime affairs.</p> <p>Since joining the Busan Port Authority in 2017, he has served in the Logistics Policy Department and the New Port Branch, where he contributed to major initiatives in port development and global logistics cooperation. In his current role in Shanghai, he leads BPA’s regional outreach, partnership building, and strategic engagement with China’s shipping and port sectors.</p> <p>Mr. Hwang continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Busan Port’s international presence and fostering closer collaboration between Korea and global maritime stakeholders.</p>
Jorge Chavez Oliden
Jorge Chavez Oliden
General Manager, National Ports Authority, Peru
<p>He is the General Manager of the National Port Authority. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with postgraduate studies and master’s degrees in Port and Intermodal Management and Planning, Public Administration, and an MBA with a specialization in Sustainable Business Management. He also holds a Postgraduate degree in International Economics.</p> <p>He has over 36 years of experience in business planning, management, and leadership, primarily in the port sector, and has also served as General Manager of the National Port Company (ENAPU). He has been a member of the Board of the National Council of Users of the International Physical Distribution System (CONUDFI) and has lectured on port planning and development at various national and international universities.</p>
Fausto Arroyo
Fausto Arroyo
Expert in Transport, Logistics, and Regional Integration, Physical Infrastructure and Digital Transformation Management CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
<p>Civil Engineer, graduated from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. He holds two master's degrees: one in territorial planning and urban development management from the Carlos III University of Madrid, and an MBA from the San Telmo Institute in Seville. He has taught university courses as a professor in charge of Engineering and Port Operations at the School of Engineering of the University of Seville.</p> <p>Permanent support and advice to CAF's 26 country offices in their relationship with national governments. Advising the teams of CAF member countries' governments in the design and development of public policies in the field of freight transport, maritime and air connectivity, social logistics, and facilitation of intra-regional and external trade. Leadership in identifying a joint project pipeline for CAF action. Definition and management of pre-investment studies and structuring of public sector projects. Environmental sustainability analysis and alignment with the SDGs.</p> <p>Leadership in the technical and sectoral analysis of credit operations for projects and programs in the freight transport, ports, airports, logistics, and trade sectors during the credit evaluation, special conditions negotiation, and administration stages. Leadership of technical field missions and due diligence studies integrated within the multidisciplinary evaluation team. Design and implementation of executing units. Direction of Lenders Advisory Services aimed at the consortium of creditors during project implementation. Proposal and measurement of development impact indicators.</p>
Miss Vansa Urairat
Miss Vansa Urairat
Director, Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Division, Bangkok Port, Port Authority of Thailand
Dr. Chanho Kim
Dr. Chanho Kim
Senior Research Fellow, Korean Maritime Institute
<p>Dr. Chanho Kim is a Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Maritime Institute. For over 22 years, he has conducted policy research on port operations, including labor, tariffs, security, and automation. He has also led feasibility studies and master plans for overseas port development projects in ASEAN, Europe, and Africa. Most recently, his work has focused on strategies to achieve carbon neutrality in Korean ports.</p>
Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman
Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman
Chairman , Chittagong Port Authority, Bangladesh
<p>Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman joined as Chairman Chittagong Port Authority on 11 August 2024. He was adorned with his present rank on 25 January 2023. Prior to joining, he had been serving as the Commander Bangladesh Navy Fleet.</p> <p>Rear Admiral Zaman is a native of Kushtia district. He passed from Cumilla Cadet College with distinction in 1987 and joined Bangladesh Navy as an officer cadet in 1988. He was commissioned in the Executive Branch in 1990. His operational assignments have included a full range of duties both nationally and internationally. In his long and versatile service career, Rear Admiral Zaman held a blend of command and staff appointments. He served in different capacities in the Naval Headquarters, on board various ships and establishments of Bangladesh Navy. As his career in the Navy progressed, he commanded different types of frontline ships including the flagship of Bangladesh Navy.</p> <p>The Admiral has 12 years of distinct sea service in his credit. He speaks fluently German, Turkish, French and English.</p>
Tomás Herrero Diez
Tomás Herrero Diez
Senior Investment Officer – Transport, Public Sector Clients, Department Region 1, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
<p>Tomás is a Civil Engineer with a Master’s Degree in Transport, Mobility and Logistics, and an International MBA. He has over 15 years of global experience leading and contributing to the preparation and implementation of transport investment operations and analytical and advisory assignments. He joined AIIB in 2022 and before worked for the World Bank, the Embassy of Spain in China and several private firms. Tomás’ work has been particularly focused on tackling climate change impacts through strengthened transport infrastructure and policies. He has worked in both developed and emerging countries in Europe, East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, and North Africa.</p>
Rear Admiral Ahmed Hamdy Abdelaziz
Rear Admiral Ahmed Hamdy Abdelaziz
Vice Chairman, Damietta Port Authority - Ministry of Transportation, Egypt
<p>Rear Admiral Ahmed Hamdy Abdelaziz serves as Vice Chairman for Operations at Damietta Port Authority and Head of the Coordination Committee for the Ro-Ro Service, playing a leading role in shaping operational strategy, governance frameworks, and cross-sector coordination within the port ecosystem. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Alexandria University, a Master's in Maritime Transport and Logistics from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology, and a Bachelor's in Naval and Military Sciences.</p> <p>Before joining DPA, he served as Vice Chairman of Alexandria Port Authority and held senior leadership roles within the Egyptian Navy, including Chief of Staff of the Suez Naval Base, Head of Operations for the Northern Fleet, Deputy Head of Naval Operations, Deputy Commander of the Naval Academy, and Director of the Naval Postgraduate Studies Institute.</p> <p>His international experience spans cooperation initiatives, joint maritime activities, and strategic engagements across Asia, Europe, and North America.</p>
Prof. Dr. Gordon Wilmsmeier
Prof. Dr. Gordon Wilmsmeier
Director, Center for Shipping and Global Logistics, Kühne Logistics University (KLU)
<p>Prof. Dr. <a href="https://administracion.uniandes.edu.co/index.php/es/facultad/sala-de-prensa/item/1756-dr-gordon-wilmsmeier">Gordon Wilmsmeier</a> is the Director of the <a href="https://www.the-klu.org/faculty-research/research-collaboration/research-centers/hapag-lloyd-center-for-shipping-and-global-logistics-csgl/">Centre for Shipping and Global Logistics (CSGL)</a> at the <a href="/">Kühne Logistics University (KLU)</a>, Hamburg, Germany. At the same time, he holds the Kühne Professorial Chair in Logistics at the <a href="https://administracion.uniandes.edu.co/index.php/en/the-school/about-the-school/school-of-management">School of Management</a>, <a href="/en/">Universidad de los Andes</a>, Bogotá, Colombia. Gordon is an honorary professor of Maritime Geography at the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen, Germany.</p> <p>From 2011 to 217 Gordon worked as Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN-ECLAC), Chile. His research interests encompass port governance, sustainable performance in maritime transport and ports, the decarbonization of logistics, and waterborne electromobility. He has published over 100 book chapters, journal papers, institutional publications, and working papers. His recent books include: <a href="https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/geographies-of-maritime-transport-9781788976633.html">Geographies of Maritime Transport</a> and <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Maritime-Mobilities/Monios-Wilmsmeier/p/book/9781138232808">Maritime Mobilities</a>. In 2022, his work on climate change adaptation was cited in the IPCC report.</p> <p>Currently, he is a Board of Directors member of the Fundación Conecta Logísta in Chile, leader of the global Port Performance Research Network (PPRN), member of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), member of the WCTRS Special Interest Group - Intermodal Freight, International Geographical Union (IGU) Transport &amp; Geography Commission, and member of Port Economics.</p>
Hei Chiu (Xi Zhao)
Hei Chiu (Xi Zhao)
Senior Transport Specialist, World Bank
<p>Hei Chiu(Xi Zhao) is a Senior Transport Specialist in the World Bank. She has worked on various lending and technical advisory projects in East Asia, Middle East North Africa, and South Asia, including urban transport, decarbonizing transport, regional railway connectivity, ports, and innovative pilots. She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tsinghua University, and Master of Engineering and PhD degrees in transportation planning from the University of Tokyo.</p>
Joan Miquel Vilardell
Joan Miquel Vilardell
Partner – Logistics, ALG Global Infrastructure Advisors, SLU
<p>Joan Miquel Vilardell (Master in Business Administration and ph.D &amp; MSc in Civil Engineering) is the Partner responsible of the Logistics practice at ALG. He has more than 25 years of experience in managing and overseeing transport and transaction projects with international organizations as well as with national ministries. He has worked extensively for Ministries of Transport in Africa, Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, and Latin America and for the main International Donor Agencies.</p> <p>Joan Miquel is well-acquainted with PPP project processes and familiar with the various transport modes that make up the logistics chain. He has a deep understanding of private sector interests in transport and macro-logistics operations and how they relate to the public sector objectives in regional economic development. Currently, he is responsible for business development in the African market, having developed projects in more than 35 countries in the region in the last years.</p>
Abdellatif Lhouaoui
Abdellatif Lhouaoui
Director of Communication and Cooperation, Ports National Agency, Morocco
<p>Mr. Abdellatif LHOUAOUI is a Laureate of the Higher Institute of Commerce and Business Administration (ISCAE) and a Graduate of the Higher Cycle of Management of this Institute. He also holds a degree in private law in French language, a Higher Expert Coach Diploma from the Hassania School of Public Works and an Independent Administrator Certificate.&nbsp;</p> <p>After a stint at the Popular Bank Group (GBP) as a financial analyst and at the Public Laboratory of Studies and Tests (LPEE) as responsible for auditing, consulting and monitoring, Mr. LHOUAOUI joined 1993, the Ports Operations Office (Ex-ODEP) where he held several positions of responsibility.&nbsp;</p> <p>Today, Mr LHOUAOUI has more than 29 years' experience in the field of finance and financial engineering, and has held several positions of responsibility at the Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP): Financial Director for more than 10 years and currently holds the position of Director of Communication and Cooperation since March 2022, particularly at international level where, since April 2022, he has been entrusted with the mission of Executive Secretary of the Union of North African Port Administrations.</p>
Jean Marie Koffi
Jean Marie Koffi
Secretary General, Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Nigeria
<p>Mr. Jean Marie Koffi is the Secretary General of PMAWCA and the current Executive Secretary of the Pan-African Association for Port Cooperation (PAPC), which brings together the three sister port associations in Africa (UAPNA, PMAESA, and PMAWCA).</p> <p>A specialist in international cooperation, maritime trade, and port management, he has over 20 years of experience in the port and maritime sector, holding management positions, including a significant stint at the Abidjan Port Authority, where he contributed to several projects, notably on the competitiveness of Ivory Coast’s ports and friendship and cooperation treaties.</p> <p>As Secretary General of PMAWCA, he currently leads several projects on sustainable port management and member organizations to make them more competitive.</p>
Andre Van Hoeck
Andre Van Hoeck
Principal Investment Officer, Infrastructure and Natural Resources Sector, International Finance Corporation
<p>Andre Van Hoeck is a principal investment officer and the global port sector lead at the International Finance Corporation, where he has worked on port projects involving the private sector in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Middle East and Asia.</p>
Yang Yang
Yang Yang
Manager of Business Division I , Investment Business Unit, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.
<p>Yang Yang holds dual master's degrees from Harbin Institute of Technology in China and Université de Lille 1 in France, currently serves as the Manager of Business Division I in the Investment Business Unit of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), responsible for the planning and development of large-scale overseas infrastructure investment projects.</p> <p>With 14 years of professional experience in the field, Yang Yang has extensive overseas expertise and has driven a series of investment projects with a cumulative value exceeding US$ 3 billion. His project track record spans multiple sectors including ports, highways, power plants, industrial parks, and real estate, etc., which provides him with profound knowledge and experience in global infrastructure investment.</p>
Richard van Liere
Richard van Liere
Partner, NESTRA
<p>Richard van Liere is a specialist in port development, port–hinterland connectivity, and inland waterway transport (IWT), bringing 15 years of international experience across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. He has worked extensively with international financing institutions, national and regional governments, industry associations, and private sector organizations to advance sustainable and efficient multimodal transport systems. Supporting the global development of inland waterway transport has become a central focus of his career.</p> <p>Richard’s expertise spans a broad range of strategic and technical domains, including multimodal transport planning in the context of economic corridor development, freight market assessments aimed at modal shift, and the integrated development of sustainable waterway infrastructure. His work also covers River Information Services (RIS), digitalization in ports and shipping, green port concepts, smart shipping solutions, and the modernization and greening of IWT fleets to contribute to zero-emission transport pathways. In parallel, he has contributed to capacity-building initiatives, actively engaging in education and training projects to share international best practices and sector knowledge.</p>
Fawzana Mohideen Hussain
Fawzana Mohideen Hussain
Chief Engineer, Planning and Development, Sri Lanka Ports Authority
<p>Fawzana Mohideen Hussain, Chief Engineer Planning and Development in Sri Lanka Ports Authority, completed her Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree in the Civil Engineering Stream in 1998 from University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. She further completed the Master of Science in Coastal Engineering and Port Development in UNESCO IHE, Institute of Hydraulic Engineering, The Netherlands in 2004 – 2006. She is a member of Institute of Engineers in Sri Lanka.</p> <p>Fawzana is working as a Civil Engineer in the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for last 25 years and gained industry exposure and professional experience in Port and Coastal field in diverse job fields across the sector. Out of that, she worked as Deputy Project Director for 6 years, in the Colombo South Harbour, Harbour Infrastructure Project and the East Container Terminal Project in Planning and implementation. She worked as a Deputy Chief Engineer/Chief Engineer position in Port Planning and Development for 15 years.&nbsp; Further, she has more than 15 years' experience working with international consultants in Port Planning and preparation of National Port Master Plans, port feasibilities and Social and Environmental Impact assessments.</p>
Manuel Benard
Manuel Benard
Senior Investment Officer – Transport, Public Sector Clients Department, Region 2, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
<p>Manuel Benard is a Senior Investment Officer – Transport in the Public Sector Clients Department of Region 2 covering Central and West Asia, Europe, Latin America, North Africa and Middle East of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). He supervises and manages AIIB support to a number of large-scale infrastructure projects predominantly in Asia. Previously, Deputy Team Leader for a Consortium of international consultant, Manuel supervised a portfolio of EIB Technical Assistance projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), continuing his roles as a Senior Economist for EIB before where he provided economic and financial analysis for a portfolio of 17 transport projects in 6 MENA countries, with a potential project loan value over €3.5bn. He also served 7 years as Principal Transport Economist at AfDB, working closely with national administrations to analyze Bank financing requests for major road and rail investments (&gt;$8bn). His career prior to this saw him lead the Economic and Financial Analysis of infrastructure projects in the private sector and for the United Nations, including Financial Affordability Analyses of 7 beneficiary institutions for infrastructure financing by IFIs including EIB, AfDB, IDA, ADF and JICA. Moreover, Manuel has written several articles on transport in academic papers and has participated to several international fora, workshops and panels on transport and logistic topics.</p>
Shri Gaurav Dayal
Shri Gaurav Dayal
Chairperson, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, India
<p>Mr. Gaurav Dayal, IAS (2004 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre), has built a distinguished administrative career marked by leadership, discipline, and a strong record of public service. Over the years, he has served as District Magistrate in several key districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Etah, Jaunpur, Muzaffarnagar, Jhansi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bareilly &amp; Agra where he handled major responsibilities in governance, development, and law and order.</p> <p>His experience further expanded as he took on the role of Divisional Commissioner in important divisions such as Chitrakoot, Aligarh, Ayodhya and showcasing his capability to oversee large administrative units effectively.&nbsp; He later served as Secretary in the Home and Vigilance Department of the Uttar Pradesh Government, a position that reflects trust in his integrity, judgement, and ability to manage sensitive state functions.</p> <p>In 2025, he was appointed Chairperson of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s premier container port, marking his shift into national-level infrastructure leadership. His appointment to JNPA highlights the confidence placed in his broader administrative vision and his ability to handle complex, high-impact infrastructure and logistics responsibilities. Overall, his career demonstrates versatility, progressive responsibility, and a proven capacity to manage both governance and large-scale development challenges.</p>
Mónica Sarache Silva
Mónica Sarache Silva
Advisor, National Planning Department, Colombia
<p>Mónica Sarache Silva is a Civil Engineer and Master of Engineering – Hydraulic Resources.</p> <p>She has 15 years of experience in the formulation and monitoring of policies, plans, programs, and projects related to river and maritime transport and river engineering.</p>
Dina Rafaela Sierra Rochels
Dina Rafaela Sierra Rochels
Deputy Superintendent, Ports of Colombia
<p>A lawyer specializing in Commercial and Financial Law from Santo Tomás University and in International Maritime Law from Comillas University in Madrid, she is a candidate for a Master's degree in Business Administration at EAN University. She is currently a member of the Colombian Association of Maritime Law (ACOLDEMAR), a member of the Ibero-American Institute of Maritime Law – Colombia Branch, Vice President of the Technical Advisory Committee (CTC) on Public Policies, Legislation and Regulation of the Inter-American Committee on Ports, and Deputy Superintendent of Ports in Colombia. Among other positions, she has served as Manager of the Rail and Port Sector of the National Infrastructure Agency, Commercial Subdirector and Acting Director of Cormagdalena, General Manager of the Montes de María Road Concession, and Public Policy Advisor to the National Planning Department (DNP), among others.</p>
Doan Thuy Duong
Doan Thuy Duong
Official, International Cooperation - IMO Department, Viet Nam Maritime and Waterway Administration
<p>Duong Thuy Doan is an International Cooperation - IMO Official at the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration, where she supports maritime policy dialogue, project coordination, and engagement with international partners. She holds a master's degree in Maritime Transport Management from the University of Antwerp and contributes to advancing green, efficient, and internationally connected port development in Vietnam.</p>
Rear Admiral Ateeq Ur Rehman Abid, SI(M)
Rear Admiral Ateeq Ur Rehman Abid, SI(M)
General Manager (Operations), Karachi Port Trust
<p>Rear Admiral Ateeq ur Rehman Abid SI(M) assumed the charge of General Manager Operations at Karachi Port Trust on 28th November 2024. Admiral got commissioned in Pakistan Navy on 1st January 1995. In a distinguished Naval career spanning over three decades, he has held a wide array of critical Command and Staff appointments. His operational commands include leadership of front-line warships and later on Commanded Destroyer and Mine Warfare Squadrons.</p> <p>Admiral has a strong academic foundation in both management and strategic studies. His qualifications include Master of Science in National Security Management &amp; War Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Security &amp; Strategy for Global Leaders from King's College London, UK. He is also a distinguished graduate of Naval Staff Course, USA and the prestigious International Security and Strategic Leadership Studies program at the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), UK.</p> <p>His efforts resulted in Enhanced Cargo Handling, Streamlined Vessel Operations, optimizing berthing schedules and eliminating bottlenecks to accelerate throughput. Therefore, resulting in a substantial improvement in the port's revenue and a stronger competitive position. His vast experience in maritime operations, strategic leadership and resource management is now dedicated to steering KPT towards new horizons.</p>
Rafaela Gonzalez Alban
Rafaela Gonzalez Alban
Director of Ports, Subsecretariat of Ports and Maritime, River and Fluvial Transport, Ecuador
<p>Rafaela Alban is an Ecuadorian lawyer specialized in maritime, port and customs law, with knowledge in administrative law and public administration.</p> <p>She currently performs her duties at the National Port Authority, where she is responsible for overseeing and verifying compliance with the standards and regulations applicable to Ecuador’s port system and all its operational components.</p>
Luis Alberto Pariona García
Luis Alberto Pariona García
Port Management Coordinator, General Management of the National Port Authority, Peru
<p>Merchant Marine Officer from the National School of Merchant Marine of Peru "Almirante Miguel Grau", with master's degrees in Environmental Management and Maritime Port and Fisheries Administration, and with a doctorate in Sustainable Development. He currently holds the position of Port Management Coordinator in the General Management of the National Port Authority (APN) and Leader of Government and Digital Transformation of the APN.</p> <p>He has more than 35 years of professional experience in issues related to the maritime and port environment, mainly in the port sector. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Regional Port Authority of Tumbes, Director of Operations and Environment of the APN and has worked as a university professor in port management and operations at various universities in Peru.</p>
James N’gan’ga
James N’gan’ga
Principal Ports and Maritime Transport Expert, African Development Bank Group
<p>James N’gan’ga is a seasoned Ports and Maritime Transport Infrastructure Expert with twenty-seven years’ hands-on experience. His expertise spans transformative project development and implementation experience in trade logistics, port infrastructure development, multimodal transport development, Infrastructure project management, mainstreaming climate resilience in infrastructure development, transport sector policy reform, change management and maritime trade / transport facilitation expertise.&nbsp; James twenty-seven-year career in the maritime industry has seen him hold diverse leadership positions in public sector, public private partnership operations and development finance across multiple African Countries. He is currently a Principal Ports and Maritime Transport Specialist with the African Development Bank Group. Previously, he offered dedicated service with distinction at Trademark East Africa, Rift Valley Railways and the Kenya Ports Authority.</p>
Dr. Borja González-Reguero
Dr. Borja González-Reguero
Associate Professor, University of California
<p>Dr. Borja González-Reguero is an Associate Professor at the University of California whose work bridges climate science, coastal and port engineering, and nature-based infrastructure. His research focuses on assessing climate risks and infrastructure that integrates natural and nature-based solutions for resilience. He collaborates globally with the World Bank, various governments, and the private sector to develop innovative, science-based frameworks that link climate risk reduction with environmental and economic goals. Dr. Reguero earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Hydraulics from IH Cantabria (Spain), along with master’s degrees in Coastal and Port Engineering and Applied Economics. He is a Fellow with the Natural Capital Project at Stanford University and the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).</p>
Bryan Andrade
Bryan Andrade
Undersecretary, Ports of Ecuador
<p>Bryan Andrade is currently the Undersecretary of Ports of Ecuador. He worked at the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ecuador since February 2024. He is also a lawyer by profession. He graduated from the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil and has a Masters degree in Maritime Law from Abat Oliba University (Barcelona, Spain).</p>
Yang Lu
Yang Lu
Senior Transport Specialist, Asian Development Bank
<p>Mr. Yang Lu is a Senior Transport Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Mr. Lu holds a doctorate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, USA. Mr. Lu has more than 15 years professional experience, including more than 8 years in ADB. Before ADB, he was a consultant at the World Bank and Maryland State Highway Administration.</p>
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ORGANIZING PARTNERS

Co-organized by MCDF, the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank, CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, and ADB-PRC Regional Knowledge Sharing Initiative.

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Brochure: Connectivity Investment Conference on Green and Efficient Ports

CONTACT

If you would like to learn more about the conference, please contact MCDF’s Ms. Jenny Lou Fernandez (jenny.fernandez@themcdf.org).