RIYADH, 29 March 2005 — Senior seaport officials of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) met here yesterday to review regulations in a renewed move to streamline the ports and shipping sector.
“This two-day meeting is significant because it provides an opportunity to review new ports and shipping regulations currently being implemented by GCC member states and to boost cooperation among Gulf states in this sector”, said a statement released by the GCC General Secretariat here.
“The meeting will also discuss means to update some other regulations, which have become obsolete and how to implement the project of hydrographic survey”, said the statement. Many Gulf states have issued new regulations but still a need is being felt to update some ports and shipping laws, which have proved to be obstacles in port operation and management.
Of late, port operations and shipping operations in GCC are being criticized by businessmen for inefficiency and delay in clearing the goods.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have issued new regulations for the disembarkation of vessels’ crew that make it easier for crew members to visit other towns, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants and similar facilities within the arrival port’s region. Regulations issued by Saudi Ports Authority and approved by the Saudi Ministry of Interior now allow Muslim crew members to visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The Kingdom has handled 120 million tons of cargo during 2004.
