The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, has revealed the formation of a new partnership with France’s Port of Marseille Fos. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed to foster advancements in various areas including the progression towards intelligent port networks. This measure is poised to elevate global commerce, bolster maritime ecology, and advance initiatives for environmentally-friendly ports.
This announcement coincided with the Vision Golfe 2024 event, hosted by Business France, which aims to facilitate the international expansion of the French economy. Held under the auspices of President Emmanuel Macron, the event spanned from June 4-5, 2024, in Paris.
The MoU was officially inked by Omar Hariri, the President of Mawani, and Hervé Martel, the CEO of the Port of Marseille Fos. With dignitaries such as Saudi Ambassador to France, Fahad Alruwaili, and Laurent Saint-Martin, CEO of Business France in attendance, the event underscored a commitment to mutual economic enrichment, the sharing of knowledge, and the cultivation of advanced port operations in line with the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS).
At the forum, a panel discussion entitled The Future of Infrastructure
featured insights from Abdullah AlMunif, Vice President of Commercial Business at Mawani. He underscored the authority’s dedication to evolving port infrastructure and shed light on significant undertakings and prospective investment avenues within the sector.
The Vision Golfe 2024 serves as an influential yearly economic and trade assembly, fostering commercial ties between France and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. It attracts a host of pivotal policymakers and international figures, with the Port of Marseille Fos playing a critical role in the facilitation of international trade.