The Director of the Land Customs Department at the General Authority of Customs, Yousef Al Hammadi, affirmed that suppliers and traders are being provided with comprehensive facilities to enhance the movement of goods across Qatar’s borders. He noted that the Authority’s initiatives including the Authorised Economic Operator programme and the TIR international transit system are designed to streamline customs processes and strengthen trade activity.

Al Hammadi made the remarks during a virtual meeting of the Qatar Chamber’s Services Committee held on Wednesday. The session was chaired by Qatar Chamber Board Member and Committee Chairman Eng. Ali bin Abdullatif Al Misnad, and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the General Authority of Customs, Mwani Qatar, Qatar Airways, as well as more than 30 companies operating in the transport and logistics sectors.

Participants reviewed the current challenges facing the services sector, particularly those linked to transport and freight under present circumstances. The meeting also examined the status of land, air, and sea cargo operations, supply chains, and proposals from private-sector stakeholders to address recent disruptions impacting logistics companies.

Al Misnad stressed that the Chamber remains committed to identifying issues affecting shipping and transport firms and coordinating with relevant authorities to remove barriers that could hinder the flow of goods into the country.

Director of the Air Cargo Department at the General Authority of Customs, Yousef Al Nuaimi, explained that land cargo operations currently depend on transit procedures or the TIR System through the Saudi Arabia land port.

Qatar Airways Cargo representative Ehab Matta noted that activity at Hamad International Airport remains relatively limited but emphasized the airline’s commitment to ensuring the swift delivery of food and medical supplies. He added that some food imports are being facilitated in coordination with Hassad Food.

From the Ministry of Transport, Director of the Land Transport Licensing Department, Hamad Al Marri, said the Ministry as a member of the Logistics Support Committee recently met with shipping companies to discuss ongoing challenges. These include the movement of empty trucks into neighbouring countries, extending vehicle operational lifespans, and easing the issuance of entry permits for drivers and trucks.

Participants introduced several recommendations aimed at facilitating smoother transport operations. Suggestions included allowing trucks registered in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state to operate freely across all GCC countries and establishing a dedicated hotline between ports and shipping companies to expedite procedures.

Concluding the meeting, Al Misnad thanked all participants for their continued cooperation. He confirmed that the committee will maintain its efforts and convene additional meetings when needed to support the sector.