New chief executive showcases Long Beach port at Davos

Port of Long Beach CEO Engages in Global Trade Dialogue at Davos

Amidst ongoing challenges in international commerce, Dr. Noel Hacegaba, the newly appointed CEO of the Port of Long Beach, traveled to Davos, Switzerland, to participate in the World Economic Forum. There, he joined a worldwide conversation focused on the evolution of trade, the stability of supply chains, and strategies for economic resilience.

“Attending the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting for the first time offers a unique chance to connect with influential figures shaping the direction of global markets and policy,” Dr. Hacegaba remarked. In addition to his role at Long Beach, he leads the California Association of Port Authorities. “Ports are at the crossroads of commerce, international relations, environmental concerns, and technological innovation. Davos provides an ideal platform to explore how supply chains can adapt to remain robust, eco-friendly, and secure as the world rapidly changes.”

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles together form the busiest container gateway in the United States. In 2025, the Port of Los Angeles processed over 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), while Long Beach handled 9.9 million TEUs.

Dr. Hacegaba, representing the only U.S. seaport at the event, emphasized, “The true value of the World Economic Forum lies not in its location, but in the diversity of participants and their willingness to collaborate across national boundaries. Honest and open discussion is more important than ever in these uncertain times.”

During his time in Davos, Dr. Hacegaba engaged with top executives from transportation and supply chain sectors, discussing the ramifications of shifting trade policies, including how tariffs influence cargo movement.

“Changes in trade policy often bring unpredictability,” he explained. “For Long Beach, this can mean changes in when cargo arrives, where it comes from, and how it is routed—leading to short-term disruptions even if overall demand stays strong.”

In 2025, the Southern California port complex experienced a downturn in cargo volumes as trade tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, disrupted trans-Pacific shipping. These developments unfolded against a backdrop of global economic instability and evolving international partnerships. Both President Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom were also present at the Forum.

Looking ahead, the Port of Long Beach has committed $3.2 billion over the next decade to expand its capacity and enhance sustainability.

Dr. Hacegaba also took part in high-level discussions with U.S. Cabinet members, including Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, as well as ministers from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, alongside CEOs from leading global shipping, logistics, and transportation companies.