The United Arab Emirates provides an ideal environment for the growth of maritime multinationals thanks to the country's strategic and eminent geographic position overseeing some of the world's busiest shipping lanes, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development has stated.

The minister made the statements during his participation in the International Maritime Organisation's 30th Assembly session, now running in London, during which new IMO members will be named.

The UAE is the only Arab country to be nominated for membership to the IMO, and is competing with 13 leading countries in the field of maritime international trade for a Category B seat, led by Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, France and Australia.

Thanks to the valuable support given by the country's wise leadership, UAE possesses competitive elements and capacities that enable it to keep pace with technological developments and lead the journey of excellence in applying best practices and the accredited international standards, said the minister, noting that the country is home to 20 of the world's top ports, some of which have been named among the world's best 10 in terms of freight transport infrastructure.

The minister highlighted the remarkable achievements made by the UAE in areas of maritime trade, noting that the country comes first regionally and third globally in terms of best seaport infrastructure and sixth internationally under the category of seaports infrastructure at the Global Competitiveness Index for 2014-2015.

Dr. Al Nuaimi explained that the UAE has made considerable efforts to develop its maritime infrastructure, including its maritime transport, navigation, hydrography and meteorology services, as well as its search and rescue services, emergency response services and port facilities, and its measures to facilitate trade, cargo handling and logistics systems.

Source: Wam