Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, chaired the high-level coordination meeting organized by the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation at its headquarters in Dubai, with the participation of officials from global shipping companies operating in the country and representatives of maritime shipping associations. The meeting was held to enhance joint coordination to address current challenges facing regional supply chains. The event was attended by Abdullah bin Damithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; Dr. Abdulrahman bin Sulaiman, Director General of Dubai Customs; and Ahmed Yousuf Al Hassan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DP World in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This meeting underscores the UAE's firm commitment to continuing its efforts to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub with flexibility and readiness, capable of ensuring the continuity of trade flows under various conditions and at all times, ensuring the availability of products in local markets and providing consumers with necessary materials. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, confirmed that continuous investments in logistics infrastructure, supportive legislation, and close partnerships with the private sector and international companies have solidified the UAE's position as a pivotal commercial and logistics center regionally and globally. They have contributed to creating a stable and conducive environment for trade and investment even during times of challenges. Therefore, we continue to work with our local and international partners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that enhance the efficiency of global supply chains and support global economic growth, driven by the UAE's commitment to its role as a trusted partner in supporting international trade and ensuring its continuity under all circumstances. He said: 'The coordination meeting with officials from global shipping companies and maritime shipping associations featured a strategic dialogue on the state of global supply chains amidst the current geopolitical situation in the region and the world. We exchanged views on the key challenges facing international trade and their impact on the efficiency of trade flows and market stability.' He added: 'During the meeting, we discussed practical ways to overcome these challenges, leveraging the UAE's comprehensive and flexible logistics system capable of adapting to various conditions and changes, which enhances the reliability and continuity of supply chains.' In turn, Abdullah bin Damithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, noted that this meeting reflects the strength of partnership between the public and private sectors, pointing out that the current phase requires the highest levels of coordination, rapid response, and full readiness at all levels. He explained that the UAE possesses a comprehensive and advanced logistics system that allows it to adapt to various changes, whether through diversifying routes or expanding the use of ports and activating multimodal transport. He said: 'We at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation are keen to work proactively with our partners in the maritime sector to address regional challenges by enhancing port readiness and providing flexible operational solutions that ensure the continuity of supply chains without interruption.' The meeting discussed several strategic axes, including reviewing the current state of supply chains and mechanisms to ensure operational continuity, the level of port readiness, current challenges, the stability of fees, and ways to align them with customer requirements. It also addressed the ports' absorption capacity, integrated logistics solutions, maritime support services, enhancing coordination among relevant parties, as well as adopting alternative scenarios and plans. Bin Damithan expressed the Corporation's ongoing commitment to supporting its partners and clients from shipping companies and maritime shipping associations by providing a safe and efficient operational environment that enhances the stability and sustainability of trade at both regional and global levels. He noted that the responsiveness of strategic partners, operators, and clients and their continuous cooperation reflect the UAE's approach based on proactivity and integration in facing challenges and enhancing supply chain flexibility, which supports the continuity of economic growth and strengthens the country's position as a key node in global trade.
