Doha:HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ibrahim Al Maadeed inaugurated the fourth Qatar Supply Chain Conference in Doha. The event, held under the theme "Supply Chains in Times of Crisis From Shocks to Resilience," featured participation from senior officials and decision-makers.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference served as a platform for exchanging expertise, discussing critical supply chain challenges, and exploring modern solutions and technologies to enhance logistics efficiency. It aimed to bolster supply chain resilience and ensure the continuous flow of goods and services amidst ongoing economic and geopolitical changes.
HE Al Maadeed emphasized in his opening address that supply chains have evolved beyond being merely economic and commercial systems. They now serve as a cornerstone of national security, stability, and resilience in the face of crises. He noted that traditional supply chain strategies focused on operational efficiency have shifted due to successive geopolitical, economic, and health crises, making resilience the key factor. Building resilient supply chains is a national necessity that requires a comprehensive vision and clear implementation plans, rather than isolated measures or temporary responses.
HE Al Maadeed also warned of the strategic vulnerability posed by reliance on a single route, source, or entry point, which could threaten supplies during disruptions. He advocated for genuine supply security through early planning, diversified suppliers and routes, secure entry points, and adequate strategic reserves of priority goods. Additionally, he stressed the importance of proactive planning, early preparedness, and risk anticipation in building resilience before crises occur.
The conference also featured contributions from HE former Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah, who highlighted the strategic significance of addressing supply chain challenges in the Gulf region. He called for greater Gulf solidarity and proposed establishing a joint Gulf committee within the GCC framework to coordinate responses to supply chain disruptions.
First Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari echoed the importance of supply chains in economic and food security, production continuity, and market stability. He affirmed the Chamber's commitment to strengthening the supply chain system and highlighted the role of digital transformation and innovation in advancing supply chains.
The event included three panel discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Transport, various government entities, and academic institutions, focusing on practical ideas and recommendations to enhance cooperation and build a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable system.
