AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of trade, logistics, and industry in Abu Dhabi, has announced the launch of a new roll-on and roll-off (ro-ro) direct shipping service between UAE’s Khalifa Port and Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Port. 

 

The new service aims to improve commercial connectivity and facilitates trade with Kuwait, it stated.

 

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 AED43.5 billion ($11.8 billion), compared to AED38.5 billion ($10.4 billion) in 2021, recording a 13% growth. 

 

In addition, the value of non-oil exports to Kuwait increased from AED12.7 billion to AED14.2 billion. While the value of re-exports to Kuwait increased from AED20.9 billion to AED21.9 billion, coinciding with the increase in imports to the UAE from AED4.9 billion to AED7.3 billion.

 

On the new service launch, Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, Acting CEO of the Maritime Cluster and Safeen Group, at AD Ports Group said: "As the region’s premier facilitator of logistics, industry, and trade, we are 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 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, stated Al Shaiba.

 

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, he added.-TradeArabia News Service