The Economic Sector’s Transport and Tourism Department conducted a workshop on Establishing an Arab Mechanism and Database to Support the Shipbuilding and Repair Industry in Arab Countries on 5 February. This collaborative initiative involved the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, along with the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
The workshop was organised in line with the implementation of Resolution No. 516 from the Council of Arab Transport Ministers in its 35th session on 22 October 2022. The resolution entrusted the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport with the responsibility of preparing a study aimed at establishing an Arab mechanism and database to bolster the shipbuilding and repair industry in Arab countries.
The Academy prepared the study in three stages as follows:
The first stage aimed to comprehensively assess the current state of the shipbuilding and repair industry in Arab countries. The discussions delved into the capabilities of Arab nations in this sector, evaluating their competitiveness on the global stage. Factors influencing shipowners' decisions in choosing shipbuilding and repair yards were explored, along with data and indicators supporting the industry, particularly in the realms of technical management, supplementary industries, and marketing.
Additionally, the first stage involved an examination of the existing capacities of Arab arsenals. The workshop addressed the challenges and obstacles confronting the shipbuilding and repair industry in Arab countries. Participants also gained insights into the current capabilities of the software and databases utilised by agencies and entities involved in the shipbuilding and repair industry. Furthermore, the focus extended to assessing the information networks in Arab countries that play a role in supporting and enhancing the shipbuilding and repair sector. This thorough analysis provided a foundational understanding of the current landscape, paving the way for informed strategies and initiatives to strengthen the industry.
The second phase of the workshop concentrated on strategies for attracting foreign investments to the shipbuilding and repair industry, examining impediments to their flow into Arab countries. It also involved identifying the key components of a unified electronic platform for the shipbuilding and repair industry. Two workshops were conducted to delve into these aspects:
The first workshop, hosted at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, specifically addressed the shipbuilding and repair industry in Egypt. It explored the capabilities of Egypt in this sector, while also scrutinising the obstacles hindering foreign investment.
The second workshop, held under the auspices of the League of Arab States and encompassing all Arab countries, took place at the Suez Canal Authority in the Republic of Egypt. This broader workshop facilitated discussions on the shipbuilding and repair industry's capabilities across Arab countries. It further delved into the challenges and opportunities associated with foreign investment in this critical industry. These workshops served as platforms for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic planning to foster the growth and sustainability of the shipbuilding and repair sector in the Arab region.
The third and final stage of the workshop marked the culmination of the study, with the participation of representatives from pertinent bodies and authorities specialising in the shipbuilding and repair industry in Arab countries. During this phase, the proposed integrative mechanism, derived from the study's conclusions to foster Arab cooperation in the shipbuilding and repair industry, was discussed. Additionally, the workshop scrutinised the components of the proposed unified electronic platform designed to bolster the shipbuilding and repair industry in Arab countries.
This comprehensive discussion served as a vital step towards finalising the study. The outcomes and proposals generated during this stage were poised for submission in their ultimate form to the relevant committees and councils. The intent was to facilitate thorough consideration and appropriate action in alignment with the decision of the Council of Arab Ministers of Transport. The collaborative efforts undertaken in this workshop aimed to pave the way for the implementation of effective mechanisms and platforms that would enhance cooperation and development in the crucial domain of shipbuilding and repair across Arab nations.
