Operations have begun at Latakia Port to load a shipment of vehicles arriving in transit from the United Arab Emirates via the Nasib border crossing, for onward export to European markets in what officials described as a milestone for Syria’s expanding logistics sector.  The shipment includes more than 200 vehicles bound for several European destinations, including Spain and Belgium, through an integrated overland-and-maritime route linking the Gulf to Europe through Syria.  Officials said the operation is the first of its kind at the port under this transit model and reflects Latakia’s growing strategic importance as a logistics hub for regional and international trade.  Mohammad Abdulrahman, Director of Storage Operations at Latakia Port, said port teams completed handling and loading procedures efficiently, helping reinforce confidence in the ability of Syrian ports to attract more transit traffic.  He added that operations at the port now extend beyond vehicle cargo to include a wider range of goods, transit consignments and fuel shipments arriving from Iraq and the UAE.  For his part, Abdullah al-Nabulsi, Director General of the Arab Shipping Company, said the company is working to expand activity at Latakia Port by attracting new maritime lines.  He said recent additions include a Turkish shipping route and a Chinese line, helping create alternatives for trade routes affected by global disruptions and increasing demand for the Syrian corridor.  Al-Nabulsi added that more than six vessels are currently booked to arrive carrying over 4,000 vehicles moving to or from Gulf countries, alongside other shipments from European and North African ports heading toward regional markets.  He said the activity generates direct revenues for the state through vessel fees, storage, cargo handling and logistics services, while also stimulating associated land transport through border crossings.  Earlier this month, the first transit container rerouted through Syrian territory arrived at Latakia Port from Aqaba Port in Jordan, signaling renewed activation of regional overland trade routes.  Officials say upgrades completed late last year at Latakia Port—including infrastructure improvements and equipment modernization—have helped revive operations and attract international shipping lines after years of decline. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Syrian Arab News Agency