Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Foreign Trade, led a high-level coordination meeting organized by the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation at its Dubai headquarters. This gathering involved global shipping company officials and representatives from maritime shipping associations, aiming to enhance collaborative efforts to tackle the current challenges faced by regional supply chains. The meeting was attended by Abdullah bin Dmeithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, Dr. Abdullah Bousnad, Director General of Dubai Customs, and Ahmed Youssef Al Hassan, CEO and General Manager of DP World in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
This meeting reaffirms the UAE’s strong commitment to maintaining its position as a global logistics hub that is resilient and prepared to ensure the continuous flow of trade under varying circumstances, thereby facilitating the delivery of products to local markets and providing necessary materials to consumers.
Commercial Center
Minister Al Zeyoudi emphasized that ongoing investments in logistics infrastructure, supportive legislation, and robust partnerships with the private sector and global firms have firmly established the UAE as a key commercial and logistical center regionally and globally. These efforts have created a stable and encouraging environment for trade and investment, even during challenging periods. The UAE continues to collaborate with local and international partners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance the efficiency of global supply chains and support economic growth, reflecting the nation’s commitment to being a reliable partner in sustaining international trade flow in all conditions.
He stated, “The coordination meeting with global shipping company officials and shipping associations featured a strategic dialogue regarding the status of global supply chains amid the geopolitical circumstances affecting the region and the world. We exchanged views on the main challenges facing international trade movements and their impacts on the efficiency of trade flows and market stability.”
Additionally, Minister Al Zeyoudi said, “We discussed practical ways to overcome these challenges, relying on the UAE’s integrated and flexible logistics framework, which is capable of adapting to various conditions and changes, thereby enhancing the reliability and continuity of supply chains without interruption.”
Public-Private Partnership
Abdullah bin Dmeithan affirmed that this meeting reflects the strength of the partnership between the governmental and private sectors, noting that the current phase necessitates the highest levels of coordination, rapid response, and complete readiness at all levels.
He elaborated that the UAE possesses a comprehensive and advanced logistics system that allows it to adapt to various changes, whether by diversifying routes or expanding port usage and activating multimodal transport.
Bin Dmeithan stated, “At the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, we prioritize proactive collaboration with our maritime sector partners to address regional challenges by enhancing port readiness and providing flexible operational solutions that ensure continuous supply chain flow without disruption.”
The meeting included discussions on several strategic topics, including the current situation of supply chains, mechanisms to ensure operational continuity, port readiness levels, ongoing challenges, fees stability, and ways to align them with client requirements. Additionally, issues regarding port capacity, integrated logistics solutions, maritime support services, and enhancing coordination among different stakeholders were addressed, along with the adoption of alternative scenarios and plans.
Safe Environment
Bin Dmeithan expressed the Corporation’s ongoing commitment to supporting its partners and clients from shipping companies and maritime associations by providing a safe and effective operational environment that enhances the stability and sustainability of trade flow at both regional and global levels. He pointed out that the engagement of strategic partners, operators, and clients reflects the UAE’s proactive and integrated approach to addressing challenges and enhancing the resilience of supply chains, which supports ongoing economic growth and bolsters the nation’s status as a key player in global trade.