Amman, Feb 9 (Petra) - Minister of Transport Nidal Katamine stressed the importance of developing the maritime transport and logistics sectors as key pillars for supporting economic growth and enhancing countries’ competitiveness.

In a 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 emphasized Jordan’s commitment to developing its maritime transport system and strengthening Aqaba Port’s capabilities to become a strategic regional logistics hub.

According to a ministry statement issued on Monday, Katamine, speaking at 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 several experts and specialists, said the transport and logistics sector has become a decisive factor in ensuring supply chain resilience and supporting sustainable development goals amid rapid global transformations.

He added that innovation, digital transformation, sustainability, and multimodal integration are key pillars for building modern transport systems capable of keeping pace with the requirements of the global economy.

Katamine noted that, under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Jordan is moving forward with implementing the Economic Modernization Vision by developing modern infrastructure, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, and encouraging investment in the logistics services sector, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

He praised 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 line with the latest international standards.

Katamine also stressed the importance of strengthening Arab and regional cooperation in this vital sector, expressing hope that the conference would produce 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 meetings focused on ways to enhance cooperation in maritime transport and logistics, exchange expertise, and develop regional partnerships.

//Petra// AF