Doha: Director of the Land Customs Department at the General Authority of Customs, Yousef Al Hammadi, has announced that land customs is offering comprehensive facilities to suppliers and traders. He emphasized that initiatives such as the economic operator and the TIR System are designed to streamline trade movements within the country.
According to Qatar News Agency, these remarks were made during a Qatar Chamber's Services Committee virtual meeting, led by Qatar Chamber Board Member and Services Committee Chairman, Eng. Ali bin Abdullatif Al Misnad. The online session included representatives from the Ministry of Transport, General Authority of Customs, Mwani Qatar, Qatar Airways, and over 30 companies in the transportation and logistics sector.
During the meeting, attendees examined the significant challenges impacting the services sector, especially in transportation and freight, and explored potential solutions. Discussions also focused on the current state of land, air, and sea cargo and supply chains, with private sector proposals aimed at overcoming recent hurdles in transportation, logistics, and shipping.
Al Misnad underscored Qatar Chamber's commitment to identifying and addressing challenges faced by shipping and transport companies. To this end, the Chamber has launched an initiative to form an internal working group and establish a dedicated hotline for reporting issues within the sector. The team will evaluate these reports and forward them to relevant authorities to devise suitable solutions, ensuring the continuous flow of goods and enhancing commercial transportation.
Yousef Al Nuaimi, Director of the Air Cargo Department at the General Authority of Customs, mentioned the reliance on land cargo through transit operations or via the TIR System at the Saudi Arabian land port. Ehab Matta from Qatar Airways Cargo highlighted limited movement at Hamad International Airport but assured efforts to expedite food and medical supplies in collaboration with Hassad Food.
Hamad Al Marri, Director of the Land Transport Licensing Department at the Ministry of Transport, noted recent meetings with shipping companies to resolve issues such as empty trucks entering neighboring countries and extending truck operational life. Proposals included allowing GCC-registered trucks to operate freely within Gulf states and establishing a hotline between ports and shipping companies.
The meeting concluded with Al Misnad expressing gratitude to participants for their support and affirming the committee's ongoing efforts to convene future meetings as needed.