RIYADH: Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Al-Mashaan highlighted on Sunday the country’s future plans to expand the land freight route to northern Kuwait, where the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port is located. Minister Al-Mashaan made the remarks during her participation in the inaugural Global Logistics Forum 2024, themed “Redrawing the Map of Global Logistics Services,” organized by the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services in Riyadh.

In her speech at the forum’s ministerial meeting, Minister Al-Mashaan highlighted that sustainable logistics services are a priority in Kuwait’s national strategy for 2035. She explained that Kuwait is working on sustainable rail projects that support global logistics expansion through the GCC railway project and a rail connection between Kuwait and Riyadh. Minister Al-Mashaan said Kuwait realizes the significance of connecting maritime ports with railways and is making efforts in that regard. Such connections, she said will provide an effective solution for sustainable logistics services and enhance land transport projects. Dr Al-Mashaan said the diversity of shipping methods creates a complex network that requires proper management to ensure flexible services. She also noted the global trend of utilizing artificial intelligence to manage transportation processes, similar to how passenger transport is optimized.

In his opening remarks, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said there has never been a better time to hold the forum “as the global logistics sector stands at a critical juncture.” “Global challenges highlight the need to ensure the safety and security of supply chains and the continuity of logistics services, which are the backbone of global trade,” he said. He emphasized the importance of accelerating transformation in transportation and logistics sectors to establish a global center for trade and logistics services.

The forum, taking place from October 12 to 14, features the participation of various ministers, senior officials, leaders from international organizations, industrial unions, experts, academics, and analysts, with 130 speakers and 80 exhibitors from 30 countries. The forum aims to enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors and boost job opportunities in logistics, discussing key topics such as empowering global markets, investing in logistics infrastructure, and the resilience of logistics services in facing disruptions in the Red Sea region, among other subjects. — KUNA