His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Communications, opened the work of the “Creeta Maritim Qatar 2025” conference and exhibition, in the presence of a number of His Excellency Ministers, His Excellency Mr. Arsenio Antonio Dominguez, Secretary -General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and a number of senior officials, ambassadors and executives , And decision makers in the shipping and marine services sector.
The conference, hosted by the Ministry of Communications, aims for two days with 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 and highlight the port infrastructure, and investment opportunities in the marine sector, as it aims to enable ports and logistics in The state is 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 pulsating regional commercial and logistical center in the region.
In his opening speech, His Excellency the Minister of Communications stressed that the maritime transport sector is the main artery for global trade, and to maintain its sustainability and development through dependence on technology and increase international cooperation that has become strategic necessities.
His Excellency pointed out 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, adding: “We invested in developing infrastructure projects for this vital sector to achieve a remarkable development at all levels, especially at the level of commercial and tourism ports and logistical services Support for this sector. “
His Excellency the Minister of Communications said that the advanced infrastructure and modern environmentally friendly technology used in Hamad Port 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, where it was ranked eleventh globally in 2023, compared to At 38th globally in the year 2020.
His Excellency indicated 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 that are in line with the finest international standards to support the plans and returns of the tourism sector in the country through cruises through giant tourist ships, pointing out in this context that the Ruwais port continues His main role in stimulating regional trade exchange after witnessing fundamental improvements and creating new naval sidewalks.
In the context of supporting the requirements of national development, enhancing economic diversity and economic and sustainable solutions, in order to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030, His Excellency the Minister of Communications said: “We have developed a national strategy for the logistical services sector, in order to support supply chains, supply and competitive advantages in regional and global trade, and meet the requirements of economic diversity For logistics and shipping services, enhance Qatar’s position as a global center for shipping, transport and logistics services.
He noted that the state adopted the approach of 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.
His Excellency concluded his speech by saying that the Ministry of Communications aims, 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 fields of maritime transport, and will continue to make all possible efforts to develop this vital sector to support all sectors, stimulate trade and facilitate the transport of goods.
In turn, Mr. Fahd Saad Al -Qahtani, CEO of Malah Company, in a speech at the conference, expressed his happiness that Malhaa is a major sponsor of this event, which reflects its deep and continuous commitment to the development of the maritime and logistical sector on the local and international scale.
He said: “The efforts of the Navigation Company are in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to transform the State of Qatar into a global center for trade and provide logistical services by building an advanced and sustainable infrastructure that enhances the competitiveness of the maritime and logistical sector. This vision is a road map aimed at diversifying the economy National and sustainable development. ”
And that the launch of this version of the “Sitrad Maritam” exhibition from Qatar comes within the framework of that vision that places sustainability and innovation at the heart of the development of the maritime sector, adding, “We see in this exhibition an appropriate opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss innovative solutions that enhance the future of the maritime transport sector in the region.” .
In the same context, Captain Abdullah Muhammad Al -Khangi, CEO of “Qatar Ports”, said in his speech that the State of Qatar has achieved over the past years more progress in infrastructure projects and quality The infrastructure related to the fields of trade and transportation to be in the 19th place globally in the last edition of the World Bank of Logistical Performance Index for the year 2023, and recorded an improvement in the competitiveness and quality of logistics services to be in the 14th place in the world ahead of 16 centers on its classification in the previous index report in 2018, and at the competitiveness level Economic today is ranked 18th globally in foreign trade and eleventh in terms of business efficiency.
He pointed out that these numbers clearly 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. Today, Qatar has become one of the most important countries that motivate investment thanks to its strategic location and large incentives that It qualifies it to be a commercial starting point towards different countries of the world.
In turn, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of the Free Zones Authority, expressed his confidence that the exhibition will contribute to the formation of a promising future for the marine industries and services sector in Qatar, and to achieve the vision of the state aimed at converting Qatar into a pioneering commercial and logistical center in the Middle East, Where ports and logistical services centers are the main driver of global trade.
In his speech, he explained that Qatar seeks to play a prominent role in this sector, benefiting from its strategic location between East and West, its advanced infrastructure, and its close commercial relations with the largest global economies, noting that the conference provides a platform to perform this role.
And 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 .. He continued, “Our free regions are distinguished by providing integrated services and allowing the creation of specific partnerships, especially in the field of marine industries and services.
He noted that the authority’s port of Marsa is located in the Umm Al -Hawl free zone, and provides direct access to Hamad Port, the largest modern sea port in the world, where Qatar supports the commitment of Qatar to diversify its economy, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Marsa Port offers a package of integrated services for companies operating in the field of marine industries and services from all over the world, and these activities include, building and maintenance of ships, interior design and equipment, providing ship supplies, boat rental, and other marine activities.
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.
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, and 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, while the session discussed The fourth is to build local talents and the challenges they face, ensuring sustainability and qualification of competencies.