Alexandria: Minister of Transport Nidal Katamine emphasized the importance of developing the maritime transport and logistics sectors as crucial elements for supporting economic growth and enhancing countries' competitiveness. In his speech at the opening of the 15th International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference (MARLOG 15), organized by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Alexandria, Katamine highlighted Jordan's dedication to enhancing its maritime transport system and bolstering Aqaba Port's capabilities to become a strategic regional logistics hub.
According to Jordan News Agency, Katamine, addressing the conference attended by Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Transport Lt. Gen. Kamel Al-Wazir, AASTMT President Ismail Abdel Ghafar, and various experts and specialists, stated that the transport and logistics sector has become a critical factor in ensuring supply chain resilience and supporting sustainable development goals amidst rapid global transformations. He pointed out that innovation, digital transformation, sustainability, and multimodal integration are essential components for constructing modern transport systems that can keep pace with the demands of the global economy.
Katamine remarked that, under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Jordan is advancing with the implementation of the Economic Modernization Vision through the development of modern infrastructure, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, and encouraging investment in the logistics services sector, thereby contributing to economic growth and job creation.
He commended AASTMT's leading role in preparing and qualifying Arab professionals, describing it as a successful model of joint Arab action and a pioneering institution in serving the maritime sector and promoting knowledge and training in accordance with the latest international standards. Katamine also emphasized the importance of strengthening Arab and regional cooperation in this vital sector, expressing hope that the conference would yield practical recommendations and innovative visions to support the development of maritime transport and logistics services and enhance their role in economic development and regional integration.
On the sidelines of the conference, Katamine held separate meetings with Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel Al-Wazir, Cyprus's Minister of Transport, and the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority. The discussions focused on ways to enhance cooperation in maritime transport and logistics, exchange expertise, and develop regional partnerships.