A pioneering infrastructure in the tourist ships sector is in line with the finest international standards
Developing a national logistical services strategy to support supply and supply chains
Building regional and international partnerships that contribute to enhancing the global position of national companies
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Communications, stressed that the maritime transport sector is the main artery for global trade, noting the need to maintain the sustainability and development of this sector through dependence on technology and increase international cooperation. His Excellency added during his speech to open the work of the Citrad Maritim Qatar 2025 conference and exhibition yesterday, that the patronage of the Ministry of Communications for this global event comes in light of the growth witnessed by the maritime transport sector in the State of Qatar. It has at all levels, especially at the level of commercial and tourist ports and logistical services in support of this sector.
His Excellency the Minister of Communications pointed out that the advanced infrastructure and modern modern technology used in the port of Hamad contributed to its transformation into a regional pivotal port for re -export, to achieve advanced ranks in the global container efficiency index issued by the World Bank by occupying the eleventh rank globally in 2023, compared to 38th. Globally in the year 2020.
Development operations
His Excellency also showed that the comprehensive development operations carried out by the Ministry of Communications to the Port of Doha established a leading infrastructure in the tourist ships sector in line with the finest international standards to support the plans and returns of the tourism sector in the country through cruises through the giant tourist ships, and His Excellency also made it clear that the Ruwais Port continues His main role in stimulating regional trade exchange after witnessing fundamental improvements and creating new naval sidewalks.
National strategy
For logistics services
In the context of supporting the requirements of national development, enhancing economic diversity and environmental economic and sustainable solutions, in order to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030, His Excellency the Minister of Transportation said: We have developed a national strategy for the logistical services sector, in a way that supports supply chains, supply and competitive advantages in regional and global trade, and meets the requirements of economic diversity For logistics and shipping services, and enhance Qatar’s position as a global center for shipping, transport and logistics services.
External investments
His Excellency added: The state also adopted the approach to foreign investments in the field of commercial ports, in order to improve the competitive capabilities in managing and operating commercial seaports to achieve sustainable development of the national economy through long -term investments, as the Qatari model for investment in ports adopted the principle of permanent partnership.
Regional and international partnerships
At the end of his speech, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Thani said: “In the Ministry of Communications, we aim, through this event, to build regional and international partnerships that contribute to enhancing the global position of our national companies operating in various activities and areas of maritime transport, and we will continue to make all possible efforts to develop this The vital sector to support all sectors, stimulate trade, and facilitate the transportation of goods. His Excellency thanked all shepherds, speakers and participants, in this event, expressing his hope that he would come out with results that meet the aspirations.
The accompanying exhibition
After the end of the opening session, His Excellency the Minister of Communications, accompanied by His Excellency the Ministers and His Excellency the Secretary -General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the senior officials participating in the event, toured the exhibition accompanying the event, during which they briefed on the latest technological innovations and technologies offered by the exhibitors in the field of maritime transport, which It contributes to the formation of the future of the marine industry.
Discussion sessions
The first day of the conference witnessed the holding of four discussion sessions, the first session discussed marine shipment and sustainability, while the second session discussed the transformation in the field of marine energy and the role of liquefied natural gas, while the third session reviewed the importance of smart and green ports and its pioneering role as a key to more intelligent and sustainable logistical chains, as discussed The fourth session is to build local talents and the challenges they face, ensuring sustainability and qualification of competencies.
The conference, hosted by the Ministry of Communications for two days, aims to join a joint organization between Qatar Ports Company as a strategic partner and the Citrad Maritim Global Group, to enhance Qatar’s position as a global marine center, highlighting the port infrastructure, investment opportunities in the marine sector, as well as empowering ports and logistics sector In the state, to keep pace with growth and benefit from global experiences in these areas, in a way that contributes to achieving the strategic plan of the Ministry of Transportation aimed at transforming the State of Qatar into a vibrant regional commercial and logistical center in the region.
The head of the “Free Zones”: exceptional advantages for expanding the business of companies
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of the Free Zones Authority – Qatar said that the ports and logistics centers are the main engine of global trade and the State of Qatar seeks to play a prominent role in this sector, benefiting from its strategic location between East and West, and its advanced infrastructure And its close commercial relations with the largest global economies.
His Excellency added that the Free Zones Authority is working to attract foreign direct investment, as it provides exceptional opportunities and advantages for companies seeking to expand their business regionally and globally by providing integrated services, which allows the creation of qualitative partnerships, especially in the field of marine industries and services.
He also clarified that the portfolio of the authority in the Umm Al -Hawl region, provides a package of integrated services for companies working in the field of marine industries and services from all over the world. These activities include building and maintenance of ships, interior design and equipment, providing ship supplies, boat rental, and other marine activities.
During his conversation, the CEO of the Free Zones Authority touched on the partnership with Qatar Ports, which aims to unify efforts and develop joint cooperation in a way that enhances the position of the State of Qatar as a favorite investment destination for international companies, in addition to a partnership with the company “Kiotermen”, which will operate a port The marina, to ensure the provision of the highest standards in the field of port management and raise the efficiency of operations. In addition to expanding the port’s capabilities with a partnership contract with a navigation company to create a yacht basin and ships, it extends over an area of 22,000 square meters, and provides maintenance, renewal and repair services. Such partnerships allow the creation of an integrated system, attracting yachts and luxury ships, meet the needs of the most important international marine services providers and enhance the position of the State of Qatar as a pioneering and developed sea center in the region.
Al -Khangi: Providing operations efficiently and sustaining
Captain Abdullah Muhammad Al -Khingi, CEO of Qatar Ports, said that over the past years, the State of Qatar has achieved tremendous leaps at all levels, including infrastructure projects and quality In the nineteenth place globally in the last edition of the World Bank of Logistics Index for the year 2023, it also recorded an improvement in the competitiveness and quality of logistics services to become the fourteenth place in the world ahead of sixteen centers on its classification in the previous index report in 2018. As for the level of economic competitiveness, Qatar occupies Qatar Today is the eighteenth place in the world in foreign and eleventh trade in terms of business efficiency.
Al -Khangi stressed that these numbers reflect the great progress achieved by the State of Qatar in its march towards providing an integrated ports infrastructure that supports and supported economic development and enhances shipping opportunities in the region and the world. Qatar today has become one of the most important countries that motivate investment thanks to its strategic location and the great motivations that qualify it To be a commercial starting point towards various countries of the world, which provides an opportunity for investors and companies looking to expand their business in the region.
He also pointed out that Qatar Ports are constantly seeking to achieve the aspirations of wise leadership by ensuring highly efficient and sustainable operations with the adoption of the highest quality standards and best practices in this aspect, in a way that improves customer experience and enhances the state’s position on the map of maritime transport and makes it a beating regional commercial center in The area.
Best: The conference is an opportunity to discuss the industry
Mr. Neville Best, CEO of Kiotermen, stressed the importance of cooperation to form the future of the marine industry, pointing out that the “Sitrad Maritim” conference represents an important opportunity to hold talks on the future of the industry. He said: «As one of the pioneering ports operators in the region and a reliable international partner, we are proud to be part of this event.”
Best said that Kiotermen is an international ports operator that provides comprehensive handling services for containers, general and loose goods, rolling ships (RORO), livestock, marine supplies, and cruise ships. Best explained that one of the most urgent topics today is to convert the ports into sustainable green centers that contribute to a more green future for all. He pointed out that Kiotermen will have experts participating in the discussion episodes, and they present valuable visions on this topic.
He added, “Such platforms provide space for innovation and partnership and exchange ideas that will constitute the future of the port industry.”