ADPC launches “Maqta Gateway” project
Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has launched today [16 December] a new innovative port community system project.
The system, called “Maqta Gateway”, is a state-of-the-art system that has been designed in line with international standards and will serve the community by interlinking all of the relevant parties involved in Abu Dhabi’s growing import and export trade business, the company said in its press release.
Taking the “one-stop-shop” philosophy to a new level, “Maqta Gateway” will offer ports, exporters, importers, shipping lines, customs and government agencies a single point of contact and real time information at any time of the day - even via mobile, significantly enhancing processing times and communication procedures.
The system will ensure smooth transport and logistics operations involving Abu Dhabi ports, airports and railway networks. It will feed into wider global supply chain communication platforms and act as an accelerator for development and trade in the Emirate, a core objective for ADPC and a central pillar of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
“’Maqta Gateway’ will help facilitate the next generation of trade in Abu Dhabi and will dramatically transform the Emirate’s way of doing business. It will make import and export activities more efficient, transparent and thus more time and cost effective while guaranteeing optimum supply chain efficiency”, said Capt. Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, ADPC.
The official launch of the “Maqta Gateway” project took place at the Emirates Palace where hundreds of high level government officials and key industry professionals came together to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ADPC and partner organisations, all of whom will be integral in developing the system.
These organisations included the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW), Abu Dhabi Airports, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), Abu Dhabi Customs Administration (ADCA), Etihad Rail and Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT).
“As more than 90% of global trade travels by seas, ADPC’s ports are crucial logistics hubs for Abu Dhabi’s trade business and services. Handling trade efficiently through our ports involves the close cooperation between all the parties involved and we have to work together to push Abu Dhabi and the UAE to the forefront of cutting edge, supply chain technology and logistics. With this in mind, we sincerely thank the Abu Dhabi leadership and our stakeholders for their full support and collaboration in setting up “Maqta Gateway”’ project, Al Shamisi added.
As a result of the introduction of “Maqta Gateway” project, ADPC is the first organisation in the GCC region to become a member of the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), a global body which promotes the highest possible standards in international port community system operators.
“We are delighted to welcome ADPC as our 26th member and our first member from the GCC and indeed the whole of the Arab world. By joining our association, ADPC has proven to be a valuable candidate in establishing electronic networks and e-services to facilitate global trade”, said Alan Long, Chairman, IPCSA.
Maqta Gateway takes its name from the Maqta Bridge which was the first crossing to communicate Abu Dhabi island with the mainland. It was a crucial connection for Abu Dhabi’s trade and development and the Maqta Gateway will be a crucial 'bridge' for future business opportunities, both nationally and globally.