Doha [Qatar], March 12: The Qatar Chamber Services Committee held a meeting on Wednesday via video conference to review challenges facing the transportation and logistics sector and discuss measures to ensure the continued flow of goods into the country.
The meeting was chaired by Eng. Ali bin Abdullatif Al Misnad, board member of the chamber and chairman of the committee, and was attended by representatives from several key entities, including the General Authority of Customs, Mwani Qatar, Qatar Airways, and the Ministry of Transport Qatar, along with more than 30 companies operating in the transportation and logistics sector in Qatar.
During the webinar, participants discussed the major challenges facing the services sector under the current circumstances, particularly those related to freight movement, shipping operations and transportation logistics. The meeting also reviewed the status of land, air and sea cargo operations and the overall supply chain situation.
Representatives of the private sector presented several proposals aimed at addressing difficulties facing transportation, shipping and logistics companies. Discussions also focused on mechanisms to streamline land and sea shipping procedures based on key recommendations submitted by logistics firms in the country.
In his remarks, Al Misnad emphasised that Qatar Chamber is keen to identify all challenges facing shipping and transport companies and to work closely with relevant authorities to remove obstacles affecting the supply of goods and merchandise to the local market.
He announced the launch of a new initiative by the chamber that includes the formation of an internal working group that will operate around the clock to monitor developments in the sector. The initiative also includes a dedicated hotline to receive reports and feedback from companies regarding challenges in the transportation and logistics sector.
Al Misnad said the working group will review these issues and coordinate with the concerned authorities to find appropriate solutions, with the aim of ensuring the continued flow of goods and enhancing commercial transportation in the country. For his part, Yousef Al Nuaimi, Director of the Air Cargo Department at the General Authority of Customs, noted that land cargo operations are currently being relied upon through transit operations or the TIR system via the land port with the Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Yousef Al Hammadi, Director of the Land Customs Department at the General Authority of Customs, said that 100 percent of commercial operations have now been transferred to the land port. He added that land customs authorities are providing all necessary facilities to suppliers and traders, noting that various customs initiatives, including the economic operator programme and the TIR system, are designed to facilitate trade movement in the country.
Capt. Abdulaziz Al Yafei, Executive Vice President of Operations at Mwani Qatar, explained that the current circumstances, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have made it difficult for shipments to reach the country's ports, posing additional logistical challenges.
Speaking during the meeting, Ehab Matta, representative of Qatar Airways Cargo, said that cargo movement at Hamad International Airport is currently relatively limited. However, he stressed that Qatar Airways remains committed to ensuring the rapid delivery of essential food and medical supplies to the country. He added that, in cooperation with Hassad Food, some food supplies are being imported to support market needs.
Meanwhile, Hamad Al Marri, Director of the Land Transport Licensing Department at the Ministry of Transport, said the ministry-through its membership in the Logistics Support Committee-recently met with shipping companies to discuss several issues affecting their operations.These include the problem of empty trucks entering neighbouring countries, extending the operational life of trucks, and facilitating the issuance of entry permits for drivers and vehicles. Participants in the webinar also presented a number of proposals to improve operational efficiency in the logistics sector. Among the suggestions were allowing trucks registered in Gulf Cooperation Council countries to operate freely across Gulf states, as well as establishing a direct hotline between ports and shipping companies to help streamline procedures and speed up cargo movement.
The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming the importance of strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors to overcome current logistical challenges and ensure the continued stability of supply chains in Qatar.
Source: Qatar Tribune
