Dr Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag President of the Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport said that strengthening Arab integration in the transport and logistics system has become a necessity to keep pace with the rapid transformations in international trade and supply chains stressing the importance of moving from simply connecting transport networks to building an integrated Arab system linking markets ports and logistics centers
This came during his speech at the opening session of the thirty-ninth ordinary session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Transport hosted by the Academy in Alexandria in the presence of General Engineer Kamel El Wazir Minister of Transport as well as several Arab Ministers of Transport representatives of Arab states and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States
Abdel Ghaffar said that the transport sector is facing a new phase of challenges due to successive changes in the global trade map disruptions to supply chains and the growing strategic role of ports trade corridors and logistics centers which requires continuous development of infrastructure operational mechanisms and stronger coordination among Arab countries
He noted that current transformations are not limited to traditional aspects of transport but extend to digital transformation and artificial intelligence as well as increasing requirements for security safety and sustainability which requires the development of methods for planning managing and operating transport networks ports and logistics services
He stressed that achieving Arab integration in this sector must go beyond the idea of geographical connectivity between road railway and port networks to include the integration of markets trade corridors logistics centers and supply chains in a way that contributes to facilitating the movement of goods and people and strengthening intra-Arab trade
He added that developing an integrated transport system can increase the ability of Arab countries to benefit from their geographical position ports and maritime and land corridors linking Asian European and African markets while strengthening their ability to compete in regional and international trade
Abdel Ghaffar affirmed that developing supply chains is one of the key areas for strengthening the competitiveness of Arab economies particularly in light of the changes taking place in the global economy stressing the importance of improving operational efficiency and reducing the time and costs associated with moving goods between Arab countries and external markets
He highlighted the importance of expanding Arab cooperation in the fields of digital transformation of ports and supply chain management as well as using artificial intelligence applications in planning forecasting and risk management in order to improve operational efficiency reduce delays and increase safety levels
He also called for strengthening cooperation in capacity building and developing specialized skills as well as preparing technical studies that help Arab countries address developments in the global transport sector and link policies and plans to practical projects that can be implemented
He pointed to the importance of the role played by the League of Arab States in coordinating efforts among member states preparing technical files and following up on the implementation of decisions related to the transport sector stressing the need to continue coordination between the Council of Arab Ministers of Transport the General Secretariat of the League and Arab transport ministries
He explained that the next stage requires greater coordination in planning cross-border transport projects and connecting ports and logistics centers with land and maritime transport networks in order to support the smooth flow of trade and strengthen economic integration among Arab countries
Abdel Ghaffar stressed the importance of using modern technologies in risk management and transport planning as well as improving the efficiency of ports and supply chains in order to enable the Arab transport system to deal with global developments with greater flexibility and strengthen its ability to respond to crises and disruptions in international trade
He concluded by stressing that building a more integrated more efficient safer and more sustainable Arab transport system is an essential factor in supporting Arab trade strengthening the competitiveness of Arab economies and making greater use of the region’s position in regional and international trade
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