16/04/2026 01:55 AST
Director General of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rabah Al-Rabah stressed on Wednesday the need to strengthen economic integration and logistics cooperation between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in light of exceptional regional challenges, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts by government entities and the private sector to ensure market stability and strengthen food security.
His remarks came during the Chamber's reception of a delegation from NEOM Port in Saudi Arabia, where discussions focused on the latest developments in transport and logistics, as well as joint investment opportunities between the two countries.
Al-Rabah noted that Kuwaiti government bodies are making significant efforts, with security agencies maintaining vigilance to safeguard the country, alongside ongoing initiatives by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to ensure smooth movement of goods and facilitate supply chains. These efforts aim to secure the availability of essential commodities, stabilize local markets, and sustain economic activity.
He added that such measures include exploring effective logistical solutions and alternatives by leveraging regional ports such as Fujairah Port, Khor Fakkan Port, Shuwaikh Port and Jeddah Islamic Port, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring the continued flow of goods. Addressing regional challenges, Al-Rabah said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz - a vital global maritime corridor through which over 30 percent of world trade passes - poses a major challenge to supply chains, necessitating strategic alternatives to maintain the steady flow of goods and meet domestic market needs.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia as a model of development, particularly in logistics and maritime transport, which are key pillars for economic growth and diversification. He noted that the NEOM project reflects this vision through advanced infrastructure, modern technologies, and a strategic location linking major global trade routes.
Al-Rabah added that the meeting aims to explore available capabilities and opportunities while highlighting joint investment prospects that could further strengthen bilateral economic ties. He also emphasized the Chamber's commitment to expanding such engagements to include government entities and private sector companies to enhance coordination and awareness of strategic projects in support of economic security and the public interest.
Director General of Logistics Business Development at NEOM Port Abdulaziz Al-Salamah underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships in import and export activities and building an integrated supply chain ecosystem between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. He said the meeting aims to showcase the port's current and future capabilities and open discussions with investors and stakeholders in the import-export sector to maximize the benefits of its logistics services.
Al-Salamah noted that NEOM Port enjoys a strategic location providing access to key markets in North Africa - including Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco - as well as European markets and Eastern Mediterranean countries, in addition to connectivity with Asian markets. He added that the port is developing a comprehensive supply chain ecosystem, focusing on establishing efficient trade routes between Kuwait and NEOM to support commerce in both the short and long term.
Meanwhile, NEOM Port Executive Director of Supply Chains and Logistics Jan-Willem Adrian said recent regional developments have allowed greater flexibility in updating systems and procedures. He noted that about a month ago, the Egyptian government approved the transit of European trucks across its territory to Safaga Port, from where goods are shipped to NEOM Port and onward to Gulf countries.
Adrian added that initial shipments via this route have already reached Kuwait and the UAE, with around 20 shipments recorded last week and expectations of gradual growth in operations in the coming period. He stressed that this route offers an important alternative for transporting goods - particularly perishable and high-value items - amid current challenges affecting some traditional land routes, especially those passing through Turkey and Iraq.
He affirmed ongoing coordination with logistics partners to further develop this corridor, calling on companies and stakeholders to utilize it as an additional option linking European and Mediterranean markets with the Gulf region efficiently and flexibly.
Kuwait Times
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