Qatar Airways is set to host the world’s largest meeting of air freight industry executives, airline officials and other stakeholders next month with the 7th World Cargo Symposium coming to Doha.

Bringing together hundreds of representatives from across the global cargo sector, this year’s symposium organised annually by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), takes place in the Qatari capital between March 12th-14th.

It will focus on actions for sustainability and, in particular, the role of the Middle East in the burgeoning air cargo industry.

Qatar Airways, the national airline of the State of Qatar, is the host airline of the conference, while its freight subsidiary Qatar Airways Cargo is the main sponsor.

Following the success of last year’s symposium held in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said he was delighted IATA decided to bring its annual conference to Doha for the 2013 meeting.

“It is fitting that our industry colleagues from across the global cargo industry will descend on Qatar, a country which will soon have a brand new multi-billion dollar airport showcasing the best facilities anywhere in the world,” he said.

“The Doha forum will be a great opportunity for debate, discussion and decisions. We look forward to providing delegates with a glimpse of the new Hamad International Airport, just weeks before it opens its doors to the first airline customers.

“Cargo will play a pivotal role at the new airport as purpose-built cargo facilities will soon be ready for operations.”

Al Baker added that the conference takes place at a time when the global freighter industry faces new and increasing challenges in a highly demanding environment.

He continued: “Worldwide, the cargo industry is undergoing a revamp as operators reassess their current operations and look at new ways of reaching out to emerging markets.

“The freighter industry is facing changing demands in the industrial and private sectors as we see an increase in activity and investment worldwide.”