The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport will serve as the venue for two important events this November: the 37th session of the Arab Ministerial Transport Council and the 73rd session of the Executive Bureau of the Council. The sessions will take place on November 12-13, 2024, and bring together key figures in Arab transport policy and leadership.
According to a statement issued by the Academy, the sessions will be attended by Arab Ministers of Transport or their representatives, as well as high-ranking officials, including Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Malki, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs at the League of Arab States, and Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy. Dr. Bahgat Abu Al-Nasr, Director of the Transport and Tourism Department at the League of Arab States, will also be in attendance, alongside senior officials from Arab transport ministries, heads of regional organizations, and leaders from specialized unions in transport and logistics.
The 73rd session of the Executive Bureau will be chaired by Engineer Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry of Egypt. The session is expected to cover several pressing issues related to the development and enhancement of transport and logistics within Arab nations.
Key Agenda Items for Discussion
The meetings will address a range of strategic topics aimed at improving transport infrastructure and systems across the Arab world. One of the most significant items on the agenda is the Arab Academy’s study on establishing a regional mechanism and database to support the shipbuilding and repair industry. This initiative is seen as crucial to strengthening the Arab maritime sector.
Another key area of focus will be the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the transport and logistics sectors. The Academy will present its findings on how AI can drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability across various modes of transport in the Arab region.
The sessions will also discuss a draft agreement aimed at regulating maritime transport procedures for passengers and goods between Arab countries. Additionally, the Academy will present a working paper on standardizing driving and rest periods for truck and bus drivers, a move designed to improve safety and reduce accidents in the land transport sector.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Transport Solutions
In a significant step towards sustainable transport, the Arab Academy, in collaboration with the European Union and Egypt’s Ministry of Transport, will be tasked with preparing a comprehensive study for a project to establish a green hydrogen supply chain. This project is intended to support the transition to clean and sustainable energy within the transport sector, positioning the Arab region as a key player in global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Proposals for Enhancing Maritime and Aviation Cooperation
The sessions will also feature several proposals aimed at improving regional cooperation. Saudi Arabia will present a study on the possibility of creating a specialized Arab maritime safety agency. Another proposal includes the establishment of a regional center for ship traffic management in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime choke point in the Red Sea.
In the aviation sector, an amended draft agreement will be discussed, focused on the exchange of exemptions from taxes and customs duties on air transport activities and equipment. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance cooperation and streamline processes within Arab civil aviation.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Transport and Logistics
The Arab Ministerial Transport Council meetings, hosted by the Arab Academy, offer a critical platform for fostering collaboration and tackling key challenges facing the transport and logistics sectors across Arab countries. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and regional integration, the outcomes of these sessions are expected to have a significant impact on the future development of transport infrastructure in the region.
As the Arab world continues to prioritize economic growth and connectivity, initiatives discussed at these sessions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transport, logistics, and maritime industries, making these meetings a landmark event for regional cooperation.
