Saudi ports keen to promote local talent

Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry inaugurated the first Saudi maritime forum as well as an exhibition in Dammam on Tuesday
It was organized by the General Ports Authority and the Ministry of Transport. 
The two-day conference-led event, taking place at the Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Towers, attracted up to 200 delegates.
Among the participants offering first-hand business intelligence are some of the Kingdom’s foremost stakeholders, decision makers, investors, trade specialists and economists.
Al-Seraisry announced that a new station will be opened at Dammam port after three months, which will help to double the size of the port and its capacity.
He said that many different projects were taking place at the Saudi ports.
He said significant steps were being taken to nationalize jobs at Dammam ports by preparing Saudi nationals for successful careers in marine fields at the academy.
The General Ports Authority always sends its employees and specialists as well as expertise to different training centers in Arab countries or overseas. 
Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, chairman of Saudi Ports Authority, said there are 10 ports in the Kingdom and seven for trade ports and three for industries.
There are 214 piers in the Kingdom with capacities exceeding 530 million tons of goods. There are also 13 million containers.
Al-Tuwaijri said: “The whole world is passing through a period of rapid growth in international trade movements. However, efforts are being taken to introduce regulations and legislation to regulate the trade relations between the countries in order to access products and consumers anywhere in the world with reasonable prices.”
The forum will discuss 20 papers during five days and five main lectures will be part of daily programs. The forum has attracted officials from the Eastern Province and people who are specialized in the field of maritime including international and national companies.
The exhibition also includes 29 local and international companies, which are promoting different technologies and latest products in related fields.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing exponential growth in its ports and shipping sectors with a number of mega land and sea projects.
The event promotes internal and foreign direct investment and supports job creation initiatives for Saudi nationals.