Transport conference to tackle challenges facing the sector
Several projects and investment opportunities in
the transport sector are expected to be announced during the first
International Transport Conference and Exhibition for the Middle East
(JOTRANS), which opens November 23 on the shores of the Dead Sea.
Decision makers, businesspeople and industry
operators will take part in the two- day conference to discuss challenges
facing the sector in the Middle East.
Highlighting the significance of the transport
sector, Minister of Transport Alaa Batayneh, described it as the “backbone of
socio-economic development in any country”.
"The event is important to share experiences
and look into scopes of cooperation between participants," the minister
said at a press conference to announce the event yesterday.
The conference agenda includes regional transport
policies, globalisation, investment, logistic services and civil aviation and
public transport sector reform, in addition to road safety and traffic
congestion, Batayneh said.
Participants will also focus on railway systems,
the integral role of transport in trade development, the importance of
transport infrastructure and maritime transport, he added.
In addition, Jordan's comprehensive transport
strategy will be reviewed, especially since the country faces several problems
due to the huge increase in the number of vehicles operating on the roads,
which has increased traffic accidents, Batayneh told reporters.
Public Security Department figures indicate that
more than 98,000 traffic accidents occurred last year, killing 900 people and
injuring more than 18,000, the minister noted.
According to Captain Mohammad Khashman, chairman
of Jordan Aviation Company, the event will provide decision makers and
businesspeople an opportunity to look into challenges facing the sector,
especially since it is a main force behind sustainable development.
He said Jordan still needs more projects in the
sector, stressing the importance of partnership between the private and the
public sectors with regard to the infrastructure network and road, air and
maritime transport.
The Kingdom needs JD750 million to develop
transport infrastructure in 2009, thus the necessity for partnerships, Khashman
added.
JOTRANS, which is being held in cooperation with
the Transport Ministry, the Greater Amman Municipality, the Arab Union of Road
Transport and the World Federation of Public Transport, will be an annual
event.


