LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT FORUM 2011

Global production has led to increased logistical challenges around the world. The need for efficient, time and cost-effective supply chain management has created new opportunities for integrated logistics providers.

Located in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg provides global companies with many strategic advantages for conducting successful business in Europe. With its open and export-driven economy, Luxembourg is fully integrated in the EU single market, yet offers commercial neutrality: Luxembourg is the ideal gateway to the European market with some 500 million consumers.

In view of the current financial and economic turmoil, the Luxembourg Government considers it essential to further develop its economy by supporting its key sectors, and notably the logistics sector which plays an important role with regard to economic diversification.

The two first editions of the Logistics Management Forum, which took place in Luxembourg, proved to be of a great success. Numerous companies assisted to these events and contributed to an interesting exchange of views on how to further develop logistics activities in Luxembourg. It is also an excellent opportunity for professionals from different backgrounds to meet and share their experiences. I hope that the third edition of the Logistics Management Forum will be as successful as the two first ones, and meet your expectations.

Located in the heart of Europe s strongest consumer markets, Luxembourg lies right on the main European North-South and East-West highway corridors. Train links provide for an easy connection with the main seaports in Antwerp, Rotterdam and Hamburg as well as road/railway piggy-back services to the South of France and the Spanish border. Luxembourg s international airport is the 5th largest freight airport in Europe which offers cost-efficient high quality services.

The ground handling of airfreight provides the most elevated levels of security, reliability, flexibility and velocity. Efficient infrastructure and processes allow for jumbo freighter planes to be customs cleared and unloaded faster than in larger European freight hubs.

The Luxembourg Government has also developed dedicated logistics parks close to major international highway, railway and airport connections. It is presently converting a former military warehouse base of over 50 hectares into a multimodal logistics platform.

Luxembourg-based operators regularly praise the easy access to and the constructive dialogue with the administration departments involved with logistics and transportation in Luxembourg. Businesses that source their goods from outside of the EU do not need a fixed establishment in the country of destination to comply with their fiscal obligations. The necessary VAT formalities can be carried out through a third party in Luxembourg. There are also no requirements for VAT-prefinancing on goods imported from outside the EU and the Luxembourg Customs authorities are implementing the automation of trade and customs procedures (eCustoms).

These and other advantages make Luxembourg a unique European hub for logistics.

The Logistics Management Forum provides an excellent opportunity for business managers and logistics experts to exchange their experiences, deepen their knowledge of best industry practices and extend their professional networks. I welcome all participants to the third edition of the Logistics Management Forum. I am convinced that we will all benefit from the mutual sharing of ideas and experiences which will contribute to enhance the overall performance of the Luxembourg logistics sector.