Qatar has made significant investment in transport sector which has placed the country in a leading position in global maritime sector. Qatar’s maritime sector has secured high ranks in several global rankings, said Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, yesterday.
“Qatar has worked to develop laws and legislations in the field of transport, and has invested widely under the wise leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to develop infrastructure projects for the transport sector and its support services in order to keep pace with the changes and developments that are progressing, and to be a true legacy for future generations, thus achieving QNV 2030 goals,” said H E the Minister in his inaugural speech at the Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit at Sheraton Hotel.
“These investments have achieved a remarkable development for the maritime transport sector at all levels and contributed to placing Qatar with a leading position and a distinguished reputation on the map of the global maritime sector,” H E the Minister added.
Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani; the Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit began at the Sheraton Hotel, yesterday.
The two-day summit, being jointly organised by Mwani Qatar and Lloyds List, has attracted experts, decision makers and specialists in the fields of ports, maritime and logistics sectors from across the globe.
Addressing the gathering,
H E the Minister pointed out that Qatar has ranked 12th globally in the quality of port infrastructure in the World Bank’s Competitiveness Report 2019, and it has jumped four places in the efficiency of seaport services index to become 15th globally.
H E the Minister of Transport and Communications said that in terms of efficient logistics services, Qatar has ranked second in the Arab world and 30 globally, and its ranking rose from 26 to nine globally in the international shipments index in just two years. It reflects the significant growth in the volume of Qatar’s international freight thanks to the advanced capabilities of Hamad Port and its important role in securing stable and sustainable supply chains that provide customers with integrated and competitive services.
H E the Minister said that the Ministry of Transport and Communications has taken advanced steps to issue guidelines, a first of its kind in the region, to secure marine assets in the applications of operating ports and ships. Its application will enhance the employment of the latest protection methods for marine electronic assets and information.
H E the Minister said Hamad Port’s advanced infrastructure and modern technologies have contributed in attracting international shipping companies and have played an important role in smoothening handling operations, providing more comprehensive services and solutions that allow customers to achieve maximum benefit in an ideal competitive environment for business.
H E the Minister said that these advantages and close relations that were built with global partners have strengthened Qatar’s commercial share and contributed to transform Hamad Port into a regional trans-shipment hub with annual trans-shipment growth of 30 percent in 2019.
To enhance this growth in the coming years, agreements have been signed with the major shipping companies in the world.
H E the Minister stated that Hamad Port accounts for 27 percent of marine trade in the region, thanks to its advanced capabilities in addition to its important role in securing stable and sustainable supply chains that provide customers with integrated and competitive services.
H E the Minister pointed out that the Ruwais Port, which plays a major role in stimulating trade exchange with neighbouring countries, has managed to maintain steady growth in the volumes of handling provided. He added that the Doha Port, after the development operations carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, will support the State’s plans and enhance the returns of the tourism sector through cruises. P3
