UAE to improve commercial connectivity, trade with Kuwait
- 25 Mar 2023
AD Ports Group today announced the launch of a new direct shipping service dedicated to Ro-Ro, between UAE’s Khalifa Port and Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Port.
The new service aims to improve commercial connectivity and facilitates trade with Kuwait.
Commenting on the launch of the new shipping service, Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, Acting CEO of the Maritime Cluster and SAFEEN Group, AD Ports Group said: “As the region’s premier facilitator of logistics, industry, and trade, AD Ports Group is committed to utilising its integrated logistics capabilities to meet customers’ requirements, help grow their businesses, and facilitate their access to their target markets with competitive rates and reduced time through Khalifa Port, the strategic gateway to Abu Dhabi.”
The long-standing bilateral trade ties enjoyed between the two GCC countries in recent years saw a rapid growth in several key commodity markets.
During 2022, the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre’s preliminary data shows an increase in non-oil trade exchange between the two countries estimated at Dhs43.5 billion, compared to Dhs38.5 billion in 2021, recording 13 per cent growth. In addition, the value of non-oil exports to Kuwait increased from Dhs12.7 billion to Dhs14.2 billion. While the value of re-exports to Kuwait increased from Dhs20.9 billion to Dhs21.9 billion, coinciding with the increase in imports to the UAE from Dhs4.9 billion to Dhs7.3 billion.
The volume of trade exchange between the UAE and the countries of the region has recently witnessed significant growth, owing to a set of comprehensive business agreements and strategic partnerships with neighbouring countries, including, but not limited to, the agreements AD Ports Group signed with Egypt, Jordan, Iraq and Turkiye.
The launch of the new shipping service between Khalifa Port and Shuwaikh Port is part of AD Ports Group’s efforts to enhance trade connectivity and facilitation in the region.
Meanwhile last week AD Ports Group signed on a Head of Terms (HoT) with the Ministry of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public Private Partnership of the Republic of Congo, for a new multipurpose terminal in Pointe-Noire.
Under the HoT, AD Ports Group has the exclusive right to invest in the development, operation, and management of the “New Mole Port” that will handle containers, general cargo, break-bulk and other types of cargo. Furthermore, the Group will provide the new facility with digital services and technology solutions to enhance its efficiency including design, implementation and operation of a single-window, software development, digital architecture, business analytics, digital operations support and digital transformation.
The HoT agreement runs for one year from the date of signing and could lead to a concession agreement subject to technical, legal, commercial, and environmental due diligence.
Pointe Noire is the main commercial centre of Congo, and its port plays a key role in the economy and development of the nation and wider region.
Speaking on the occasion, Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “AD Ports Group continues to expand its operations globally, working with partners to develop world-class port, logistics and maritime facilities in key commercial hubs. We see significant potential for developing a multipurpose terminal at the Port of Pointe Noire, particularly given the port’s key role in the energy sector.
“As always, we are grateful for the support of the UAE’s leadership in enabling us to develop this new opportunity and supporting our international ambitions. We value the trust of the Congo Government in our capabilities and our commitment to deploying our expertise in supporting its development plans.” Denis-Christel Sassou Nguesso, Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership of the Republic of Congo, praised AD Ports Group’s excellent reputation in creating innovative port and maritime facilities and expressed confidence that their expertise and global network would help establish the “New Mole Port” as a top-performing port on the central west coast of Africa.
AD Ports Group has expanded this year’s ‘Innovation Week’ activities for both internal staff and the general public. ‘Innovation Week’ is the annual festival that promotes ground-breaking creativity and advanced technological capabilities, in line with the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy and as part of the Group’s continued efforts to elevate Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovation.
Launched on Feb.20, 2023, under the themes ‘Environmental Sustainability’, ‘Internationalisation’, and ‘Operational Excellence’, AD Ports Group’s ‘Innovation The agenda’ offers exciting virtual metaverse events, the latest cutting-edge technology, and a series of enlightening talks delivered by the industry’s top experts.
