Qatari-Saudi Workshop Tackles Co-Operation in Maritime Transport, Shipping

The Qatar Chamber participated in the ‘Qatari-Saudi Workshop’ on the transport, shipping, and maritime sector, held in Riyadh Wednesday.

The delegation from Qatar was headed by Qatar Chamber board member Ali bin Abdul Latif al-Misnad, who is also chairman of the Services Committee and the Qatari Committee for Shipping and Supply.

It also included representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Permanent Committee for the Management of Seaports at the Ministry of Interior, the General Authority of Customs, Mwani Qatar, Milaha, QTerminals, and Gulf Warehousing Company.

On the other hand, Hamad al-Shuwaier, head of the Qatari-Saudi Joint Business Council, led the Saudi delegation.

The workshop discussed bilateral co-operation in the transport and shipping sectors and ways to develop it. It also encouraged Saudi companies to take advantage of the benefits offered by Hamad Port in maritime shipping. Milaha, GWC, and Mwani Qatar delivered presentations during the workshop.

Al-Misnad stated that the private sector in both countries is a key pillar for strengthening co-operation, expanding partnerships, and building a more integrated and prosperous economic future.

He noted that there are broad areas of co-operation in transport, shipping, and maritime services, especially in light of the advanced facilities and high-quality services provided by Qatar, particularly in transit (transshipment) operations through Hamad Port, one of the most modern and significant ports in the region in terms of infrastructure, efficiency, and speed of operations.

Al-Misnad called on Saudi companies to capitalise on the facilities and services offered by Qatar to support shipping and logistics operations, which will enhance the smooth flow of goods and expand access to regional and international markets through an advanced and secure logistics gateway. He pointed out that shipping from Hamad Port to Saudi Arabia takes no more than five hours.

He affirmed Qatar Chamber's commitment to enhancing direct co-operation between Qatari and Saudi companies in this vital sector, calling for the establishment of strategic partnerships that contribute to developing joint services and open new horizons for Gulf integration in the shipping and transport sector.