Jordan is continuing efforts to strengthen its role as a regional transport hub, with ongoing efforts to develop transport infrastructure, border crossings and logistics services aimed at enhancing trade connectivity across the region. Jordan’s Minister of Transport Nidal Qatamin highlighted the strategic importance of the sector to the national economy while addressing the opening of the 39th General Assembly of the Arab Union for Land Transport in Amman on 28th June 2026.
The event brought together transport specialists from member states of the union and the Arab League. Qatamin emphasized that the transport and logistics sector remains one of the key pillars of Jordan’s national economy and plays a critical role in supporting trade, attracting investment and maintaining supply chain sustainability among Arab countries.
The minister also stressed that continued investment in transport infrastructure and services is necessary to keep pace with regional and global developments while increasing the sector’s contribution to economic growth. He described the Arab Union for Land Transport as an important platform for institutional cooperation, underscoring the value of stronger coordination among member states to support Arab economic integration and align transport-related policies.
Focus on Logistics Corridors and Border Modernization
Besides the development of Jordan as a regional transport hub, Qatamin called for further development of logistics corridors across the Arab region. He also emphasized the need for harmonized transport procedures and modernization of border and customs systems to facilitate cargo movement, lower operational costs and reduce transit times.
The assembly included an official opening session followed by specialized discussions and coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Arab Union for Land Transport. Representatives from transport ministries, federations and land transport companies from several Arab countries attended the event.
Minister Plenipotentiary and Chairperson of the Transport and Tourism Committee at the Arab League Bahgat Abu El-Nasr noted that the Arab Union for Land Transport has evolved into a leading reference point for research and studies related to the transport sector across the Arab world. He highlighted the union’s increasing contribution to policymaking and logistics development initiatives.
Arab Transport Cooperation and Digital Transformation in Focus
Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Land Transport Malek Haddad said the organization has reached an advanced stage of institutional development after five decades of activity, strengthening its capabilities and expanding its influence within the Arab transport sector. He stated that the launch of the Arab Transport Experts Unit represents a major milestone by creating a platform that consolidates Arab expertise and provides technical support for policymakers, helping improve transport policies and overall sector performance.
Haddad added that the union’s next phase will concentrate on expanding Arab cooperation in transport and logistics, accelerating digital transformation and advancing sustainability initiatives to improve regional and international competitiveness.
President of the International Association of Land Transport (UIT) and Chairperson of the Arab Union for Land Transport Khaled Haqil described the union’s 50th anniversary as a significant achievement reflecting progress in joint Arab institutional work and the creation of a more comprehensive regulatory framework for land transport.
Haqil said the organization is entering a new stage focused on strengthening institutional tools and reinforcing its position as the umbrella organization for Arab land transport. He noted that the sector has developed into an integrated economic system closely linked to trade, supply chains and development. He also emphasized the importance of expanding public-private partnerships to improve logistics efficiency and adaptability to global developments, while describing the Arab Transport Experts Unit as a strategic initiative supporting transport decision-making through specialized expertise and technical studies.
Participants further examined issues including the development of the Arab land transport system, facilitation of transit and cross-border transport, modernization of transport legislation and regulatory frameworks, digital transformation of logistics services, enhancement of training and road safety programs, and broader public-private partnerships. These discussions reflected a shared commitment to building a more integrated, efficient and sustainable Arab transport network.
