Fatimah Muhammad Saudi Gazette JEDDAH – Third Jeddah Commercial Forum (JCF) opened its second day on Monday with a discussion of the competitiveness of the transport logistics at Saudi ports. Dr. Abla Bokhari, assistant professor of economics at King Abdul Aziz University, talked about marine transport technologies and the role of logistics in enhancing the competitiveness of seaports. She added that the competitive advantage is a significantly important concept and it means the organization's ability to select and carry out a strategy that maintains the quality of its products in the market. In a working paper, Dr. Abla stressed that the countries which succeed in reaching new markets and competing in these markets are the ones which will control the market in the future. Whereas the countries which fail to measure up to the global logistics network level will have slight chances of success and will not be able to increase the competitive advantage of their seaports nor will they satisfy their customers' needs. Abdullah Al-Khenaifar, KFB Group executive director, said Saudi small- and medium-scale businesses can bolster the efficiency and competitive advantage of seaports if they increase their regional and international exports. He stressed that investment in small- and medium-scale factories should be encouraged as such step will bolster the national economy and create more job opportunities for Saudi citizens. Exports can only play a positive role in improving Saudi seaports if the short- and medium-term obstacles facing export procedures are overcome. Examples of these obstacles include the accumulation of goods in Saudi seaports and poor logistic and administrative procedures and failure of some government authorities to cooperate effectively with seaports and expedite the procedures of export. Amer Zainal, Red Sea Gate Company executive director, talked about the logistic challenges facing seaports. He cited some of these challenges, which are the gigantic infrastructure seaports need, the limited area of seaports and lengthy processing time for containers. Abdul Aziz Al-Tweajri, president of Saudi Ports Authority, talked about challenges as well, citing development plans as the most difficult challenge. He suggested setting up centers for logistic transport at seaports. During a press conference on the sidelines of the forum, Al-Tweajri revealed a strategic plan to develop the Kingdom's seaports over the next twenty years. He said the seaports will be given more authorities to expedite regular procedures and more financial and administrative independence in order to expedite the development process. He pointed out the Ministry of Labor's decision did not affect or disrupt work at the seaports, adding that the private sector will be given more roles to participate in the process of operating seaports.
