Doha: The State of Qatar participated in the 28th extraordinary meeting of the Committee of Transport Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, held today via videoconferencing. The meeting was attended by HE Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani on behalf of Qatar.

According to Qatar News Agency, the GCC transportation ministers discussed the current regional situation and its impact on supply chains. They agreed on several recommendations aimed at enhancing the sustainability of land and maritime transportation industries within their countries. The goal is to ensure the continuity of supply chains and trade flow despite the current regional challenges.

The recommendations proposed by the ministers included adopting exceptional and flexible procedures to facilitate land transportation, addressing urgent challenges, and ensuring the smooth flow of trucks, buses, and taxis between member states. This approach is designed to maintain operational processes and movement during the current regional conditions.

Additionally, the ministers suggested implementing seamless procedures at ports outside the Strait of Hormuz for goods intended for GCC countries. They emphasized the activation of green corridors and the improvement of logistic connectivity between these ports and logistic hubs within the GCC through enhanced readiness of land ports and facilitated movement of trucks crossing borders.

Further recommendations included prioritizing logistic routes for essential goods arriving through alternative ports and minimizing physical inspection procedures by relying on modern technologies for advance inspection solutions. A permanent taskforce comprising representatives from port authorities, land transportation, customs authorities, and the General Secretariat of the GCC will be formed to monitor progress and address obstacles in implementing these plans.