Kuwait to link seaports and railways to transform logistics

• Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, the Minister of Public Works, said, “our projects are not limited to the global level but also address local initiatives, such as the expansion of the land freight line to northern Kuwait, including Mubarak Port.

Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, the Minister of Public Works, stated that Kuwait aims to connect seaports with railways to enhance logistics services, improve efficiency, and support land transport projects, according to Al Rai newspaper.

The minister participated on Sunday in the inaugural World Logistics Forum 2024 in Riyadh, themed “Redrawing the Map of Global Logistics Services.”

In her speech at the ministerial meeting of the forum, minister Al-Mashaan stated that sustainable logistics services are one of the priorities of Kuwait’s National Strategy for 2035, explaining that Kuwait is working on sustainable railway connectivity projects that support global logistics expansion through the GCC train project and the Kuwait-Riyadh linking train in Saudi Arabia.

She continued, “Our projects are not limited to the global level but also address local initiatives, such as the expansion of the land freight line to northern Kuwait, including Mubarak Port.” She emphasized that Kuwait seeks to interconnect seaports with railways, providing an effective solution to sustain logistics services, enhance efficiency, and support land transport projects.

She pointed out that the diversity of shipping methods creates a complex network that requires effective management to ensure the availability of flexible services. The world is increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence to optimize the management of the transport process, as seen in passenger transport, where optimal and alternative routes can be selected.

Need to ensure the safety and security of supply chains

For his part, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, stated in his opening speech at the forum, “There is no better time than now to hold this forum, as the global logistics sector stands at a crucial point. Global challenges underscore the need to ensure the safety and security of supply chains and the continuity of logistics services, which are the backbone of global trade. The World Logistics Forum is an opportunity to strengthen, transform, and protect global logistics networks that connect us all, fostering prosperity for economies and ensuring that goods reach their destinations.”

Al-Jasser emphasized the need to accelerate the transformation in the transport and logistics sectors, positioning them as a global center for trade and logistics services. He reaffirmed that the Kingdom continues to develop its logistics infrastructure in alignment with Vision 2030, supported by significant government investments aimed at enhancing the efficiency of supply chains and linking global markets.

He pointed out that the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in mid-2021, aims to invest more than one trillion riyals by 2030. Of this amount, 200 billion riyals have already been allocated, enabling the Saudi logistics sector to progress prominently and contributing to improved global rankings.

The minister concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of working together over the next two days to discuss the challenges we face and to shape a sustainable future that promotes prosperity for all.

The forum, held from October 12 to 14, witnessed the presence of numerous ministers, senior officials, leaders of international organizations, industry federations, as well as experts, academics, and analysts, featuring participation from 130 speakers and eighty exhibitors from thirty countries.

Notably, the forum saw wide participation from leaders in the logistics sector, including representatives from the public and private sectors, experts, senior executives, and pioneers from around the world. It also included discussion sessions aimed at enhancing international cooperation and stimulating joint efforts to promote logistics and strengthen their developmental role in the global economy.

The forum will discuss several pivotal topics in the transport and logistics sector, including empowering global markets, investing in logistics infrastructure, and enhancing logistics resilience in response to unrest in the Red Sea region. Additionally, it will address the new era of energy ports and empowering talent to transform tomorrow’s industries.

The forum aims to enhance the efficiency of the logistics sector, highlight economic growth, develop local, regional, and international connectivity for trade networks and global supply chains, and strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors. It also seeks to increase job opportunities in the sector and consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.