The forum is organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Al-Faris Group for Conferences and Exhibitions with the participation of some 1,000 experts from the ports and shipping industry in the Kingdom and abroad.
Prince Mishaal will also open an international exhibition of seaports on the sidelines of the forum with about 50 exhibitors participating.
Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority Khaled Bubshait said the forum aims to discuss and find solutions to problems faced by the shipping industry and ports in the Kingdom.
He said the forum will discuss eight topics, including the impact of the current global economic crisis on shipping, shipping of oil and gas and petrochemicals, development of operating systems of ports, logistic issues, marine tourism and passenger transport. "Another topic of discussion is the likely influence of the Saudi land bridge railway project on the shipping industry,” Bubshait said.
Five Saudi ports are at strategic locations on international shipping lines without any hurdles for entry or exit. They include Jeddah, Yanbu, Jazan and Deba ports.
Bubshait said Jeddah Islamic Port has been ranked the 19th most advanced port in the world.
