Leading transport and maritime officials and business personalities in Saudi Arabia are set to discuss key developments in the Kingdom's maritime and logistic industry during the Saudi Maritime Congress, the pioneering maritime and logistics event held under the patronage of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and in partnership with Bahri. Top level officials will lead the opening Congress sessions with Dr. Nabel bin Mohammed Al Amudi, Minister of Transport of Saudi Arabia, to deliver the keynote ministerial opening address, while Eng. Saad bin Abdulaziz Alkhalb, President of the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), and Eng. Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO of Bahri will give speeches on the regulatory and maritime industry before the participants. "Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) is delighted to announce our patronage for the 2nd Saudi Maritime Congress which will be a unique platform and meeting place for the leading decision makers and maritime industry experts from the region as well as from across the maritime world, said Abdulaziz Abdulhimed Alrayes, Marketing and Corporate Communication Director. "Saudi Ports serves the largest economy in the region and, though Mawani has various infra and supra structural programs underway and currently planned, we see the Saudi Maritime Congress as a very important platform which enables us to pace with the goals of Vision 2030," he noted. The Congress which is being held for the 2nd time, will provide key insights to the booming shipping and logistics sector considering the major transformation initiatives launched by Saudi Government under the Saudi Vision 2030. The logistics sector is one of the key economic pillars which will pave the way for further economic diversification in the Kingdom, unlocking huge potentials valued at $18 billion. Among the latest major initiatives that aim to boost the sector include the development of a foreign investment program under the aegis of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) to allow shipping agents to own and operate independently through a foreign investment license. The license which will be valid for five years can be obtained from the Saudi Ports Authority before it can start operations. The scheme is in line with country's privatization plan, as shipping agencies previously can only provide services if it is a 100 percent-owned Saudi company or by a local investor. Several other measures are being undertaken by the government to facilitate trade including the 24-hour customs clearance for incoming cargo, which previously took 10 to 14 days to clear. It is also investing heavily in the construction of transportation infrastructure such as the Saudi Rail-Roads Expansion, the East-to-West Land Bridge, and with key investments from the private sector to the upgrade of strategic ports Jeddah Islamic Port and Dammam Port. Chris Hayman, Chairman of Seatrade, the organizer of the event, said: "The Saudi Vision 2030 program will have major consequences for trade and transport infrastructure in the Kingdom and provides multiple opportunities for national and international companies. We feel that the Saudi Maritime Congress 2019 will provide for all stakeholders an exceptional chance to understand the scale and nature of this exciting program, and to contribute to the discussion on how it will unfold." The keynote session will enlighten the participants on the main features of the Saudi transformation plan to address the following: growing contribution from the private sector to the national economy; foreign direct investment opportunities in the Kingdom; increasing employment opportunities for Saudi Arabia's growing young demographic and the goal of nationalization through Nitaqat; and further integration of the Kingdom into the regional and global economies as a hub connecting three continents. Other key areas which will be highlighted through panel discussions during the two-day conference include maritime infrastructure investments, sustainability regulations, offshore marine, and automation and smart technologies. The Saudi Maritime Congress will take place on March 11-12, 2019 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, Kingdom Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. — SG
