Amman, April 6 (Petra) -- Minister of Transport Nidal Katamine on Monday directed port authorities, customs officials, and the logistics sector to ramp up readiness to accommodate a projected spike in transit trade and cargo volumes fueled by shifting regional dynamics.

During an expanded meeting at the Ministry of Transport, Katamine emphasized that Jordan must solidify its position as a primary logistical corridor for neighboring countries, particularly as disruptions to some maritime routes increase the strategic importance of the Port of Aqaba.

The minister underscored the need for seamless coordination between the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the Customs Department, and the Land Transport Regulatory Commission to accelerate clearance and inspection procedures. He also called for enhancing the capacity of the national trucking fleet and expanding air freight services to meet rising demand.

"We must take all necessary measures to ensure readiness for a potential increase in trade movement, especially given the repercussions of regional conditions and the closure of certain maritime passages," Katamine said.

Participants in the meeting, including Royal Jordanian CEO Samer Majali, multiple stakeholders, and representatives from the shipping and trucking unions, noted that the Port of Aqaba currently maintains the operational efficiency to handle a 30% increase in its existing cargo volumes. Industry leaders stressed that the current climate presents an opportunity to cement Jordan’s status as a regional hub for commercial activity and shipping services. They affirmed that the kingdom is well-positioned to meet the supply chain needs of neighboring Arab states through the Aqaba gateway.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continuous monitoring of regional developments to ensure the fluid movement of goods and to maintain the competitiveness of Jordan's logistics sector in the face of evolving global trade challenges.

//Petra// AF