RIYADH: A workshop held in the Saudi capital has discussed the country’s plan to adopt a global customs transit system.
A delegation from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) attended the workshop, which was held in Riyadh and hosted by the Saudi Customs.
“The workshop was held in connection with the decision of the Kingdom to accede to and implement the global transit system for moving goods across regional and international borders expected in 2017,” Rani Wehbe, IRU senior adviser for the Middle East, told Arab News by phone from Beirut on Friday.
Wehbe also said that Umberto de Pretto, secretary-general, led the IRU delegation that visited the Kingdom and attended the workshop. Wehbe was also with the delegation.
Present in 100 countries, the IRU leads solutions to help the world move better, supporting trade, economic growth, job safety, the environment and communities.
De Pretto said in a statement that the “workshop demonstrates the seriousness with which the Saudi Customs approaches accession to TIR.” TIR, which stands for Transport Internationaux Routier, is the world’s only global customs transit system.
He added that the IRU is highly motivated to facilitate knowledge-sharing and to help generate a clear understanding of the TIR system.
He also said that “our aim is to communicate its simplicity, efficacy and compelling capability to transform the region’s trade potential.”
The statement also quoted Saudi Customs Director General Ahmed Al-Hakbani as saying that the Kingdom is one of the most important transit countries in the region and confirmed the decision to begin TIR implementation this year.
Wehbe said that the workshop offered insights and guidance on the application of the TIR system to improve trade facilitation.
“The system is a very important tool for implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) which came into force in February 2017. The Kingdom had previously ratified the TFA in August 2016,” he said.
He added that the workshop also provided awareness and highlighted the key benefits of the system for Saudi Arabia among the pertinent stakeholders.
“It also discussed the practical aspects of accession and implementation,” Wehbe said.
The participants in the workshop unanimously acknowledged the advantages and benefits of the TIR, gaining an understanding of how Saudi Arabia’s accession and implementation of the TIR Convention will facilitate trade in a secure manner through seamless intermodal transit connectivity.
The IRU has since 1949 been mandated by the UN Economic Commission for Europe to manage the TIR system.
Saudi Arabia on road to implementing customs transit system
Saudi Arabia on road to implementing customs transit system
SEC strengthens infrastructure readiness for Aramco Stadium ahead of World Cup
- Project contributes to enhancing stability, efficiency of site’s electrical supply
RIYADH: Saudi Electricity Company has announced the completion of a power transmission station for Aramco Stadium in Alkhobar, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.
The step provides a pivotal role in enabling energy infrastructure for major national projects and supporting the readiness of vital facilities to host international events.
The project was implemented by the National Grid Company, the operational arm of Saudi Arabia’s electricity transmission system, under the supervision of the Saudi Electricity Project Development Company and within an integrated framework that meets the highest standards of reliability and operational sustainability.
The project contributes to enhancing the stability and efficiency of the stadium’s electrical supply, ensuring its operational readiness during sporting events and peak times. This aligns with national efforts to improve readiness as the Kingdom progresses its preparations to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Work has included the construction of a 115/13.8 kilovolt substation and its connection to the electrical grid via more than 2.4 km of underground cables.
The project has also incorporated advanced protection and operational systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, and communications technologies, to enhance supply reliability and ensure service continuity, in line with international best practices.
The company said that the project was completed within an 18-month timeframe in accordance with approved technical and regulatory requirements, with national engineering and technical teams participating in all phases from design to operational testing, underscoring the Kingdom’s expanding capabilities in power transmission.
According to the SPA, the project’s completion reflects Saudi Electricity Company’s commitment to developing the power transmission system, supporting the operation of sports and service facilities, and enhancing infrastructure readiness in the Eastern Province.
This aligns with the Kingdom’s long-term objectives and its vision to host world-class events to the highest standard.
