Dubai, September 08 (QNA) - The evolving situation in the region has placed significant pressure on supply chains, driving changes in shipping routes, higher freight and insurance costs, delivery delays and greater uncertainty over supplies, Qatar Chamber Board Member and Chairman of the Qatar Association for Freight Forwarding and Logistics (QAFL) Eng. Ali bin Abdul Latif Al Misnad said.

Speaking at a roundtable held as part of Qatar Chamber's participation in the AIM Congress 2026 in Dubai, Al Misnad said the key challenge was no longer simply reducing transportation costs, but ensuring the continuity of supply chains, keeping businesses and factories operating and maintaining the availability of essential goods and materials in the market.

He said Qatar Chamber had adopted a proactive approach by maintaining close communication with the private sector and coordinating with government entities as well as Gulf and Arab chambers of commerce to identify challenges and develop solutions and alternatives.

Al Misnad stressed that supply chain resilience depends on having alternatives, including diversified sources of supply and transport routes, as well as maritime, air and land transport options. He also highlighted the importance of the TIR System and the use of data and artificial intelligence to monitor supply chain risks and address them proactively.

He invited Arab chambers to participate in the FIATA-RAME 2026 Conference, which will be held in Doha from Nov. 9 to 10, 2026, organized by Qatar Chamber in cooperation with the Federation of GCC Chambers. He said the conference would provide an important platform to discuss developments in the sector and exchange expertise and solutions.

Held under the theme "Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Pathways Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive Future," the 15th AIM Congress brought together business leaders, decision-makers, investors and innovators from more than 180 countries to discuss ways to advance sustainable investment.

Qatar Chamber also participated in the Arab Business Forum, held on the sidelines of the congress in cooperation with the League of Arab States and the Union of Arab Chambers, which discussed ways to strengthen Arab economic integration.

Qatar Chamber Acting General Manager Ali Bu Sharbak Al Mansori represented the Chamber in the forum's second panel, which focused on Arab investment, facilitating capital flows and Islamic finance. He reviewed key elements of Qatar's investment environment and the investment opportunities available in the country.

Al Mansori said Qatar had developed an attractive investment environment by expanding its infrastructure, establishing industrial and free zones, streamlining procedures and modernizing legislation. He also highlighted the country's integrated transportation, logistics and financial infrastructure, including Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, Qatar Airways and the Doha Metro, as well as banks, financial and insurance companies, the Qatar Stock Exchange, the Qatar Financial Center, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Investment Authority and the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar.

He said Qatar was focused on attracting investment to vital sectors, including manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, food security and tourism, offering promising opportunities for new projects and partnerships.

Al Mansori added that Qatar Chamber plays a key role in connecting investors with their Qatari counterparts, promoting investment opportunities and providing information on the local market, helping attract investment, diversify the economy and strengthen trade partnerships. (QNA)