Khaberni - Dr. Nidal Al-Qatamin, Minister of Transport, emphasized the necessity of preparing Aqaba Port, the trucking and customs sectors, and all related entities to ensure they can absorb the expected increase in trade volume and transit traffic to neighboring countries amidst current regional developments.
This was stated during an extensive meeting held today, Monday, at the Ministry of Transport, attended by the ministry's Secretary General, Fares Abu Diya; the Director General of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission, Engineer Riyad Kharabsheh; the Director General of Customs, Major General Ahmad Al-Akalik; the Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Shadi Majali; the CEO of Royal Jordanian, Samer Majali; the Captain of Navigation Agents, Zaid Al-Kalalda; the Chairman of the Logistics Union, Nizar Saleh; the Captain of Truck Owners, Mohamed Daoud; alongside representatives from related entities.
Al-Qatamin stressed the necessity of taking all necessary measures to enhance readiness in preparation for a potential increase in trade movement, especially in light of the fallout from regional situations and the closure of some sea routes, which reinforces Jordan's importance as a logistical corridor serving the Kingdom and neighboring countries.
He pointed to the importance of enhancing coordination among various concerned entities to facilitate customs procedures and accelerate inspection and clearance processes, in addition to enhancing the truck fleet’s capabilities and developing air freight services to meet increasing demand.
The attendees emphasized the importance of integration between various entities to ensure readiness, noting the necessity of seizing available opportunities to increase transit movement and efficiently address associated challenges.
They affirmed the necessity of leveraging this opportunity to bolster Jordan's position as a regional hub for commercial activities and shipping services, and to meet the needs of neighboring Arab countries for goods through Aqaba Port, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's role as an active logistical hub in the region.
The meeting focused on Aqaba Port's ability to operate and receive ships with high efficiency, noting its capacity to accommodate an increase of about 30 percent above the current volume, and stressed the importance of continuous monitoring of regional developments and taking necessary measures to ensure the smooth flow of goods and enhance the competitiveness of the logistics sector in the Kingdom.
