Postal managements of GCC countries reviewed the progress of the proposed pan-GCC logistics company.

They also discussed an improved Mumtaz (speed post) for the region at the 19th Steering Committee meeting of Arab postal corporations held in Jeddah.

The meeting discussed a report submitted by the task force looking into the modalities of setting up the logistics company. The meeting also discussed the progress on the standardisation of purchase operations and sourcing of postal items in bulk, in addition to issues such as customs procedures, inspection and movements of parcels, more efficient electronic money transfer within GCC, said an official spokesman.

A high-level Emirates Post delegation led by director general of post Abdulla Al Daboos took part in the deliberations. Other members of the delegation were assistant director general, operations, Salem Al Shaya and assistant director general, development and marketing, Abdullah Al Fan.

The postal heads appointed a team to study ways of improving movements of parcels within the GCC and another one to prepare a common Arab agenda for the UPU Congress in Nairobi in 2008. The stressed the need for a consensus so that their demands could be incorporated in the Nairobi 2008 Postal Strategy.

“The underlying tone of the discussions was the need to raise standards to match global competition and adopt strategies based on modern business trends, including diversification and partnerships with the private sector,” said Al Daboos.

“The meeting will help drive the efforts for fostering greater cooperation between postal organisations in the GCC and accelerate the execution of new projects,” he added.

The GCC postal officials also met Prince Khalid Al Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, chief of Mecca region, who urged for shared expertise in efficient mail and transport services within GCC countries.

The meeting also honoured past heads of GCC postal organisations and recalled their contribution to the development of postal services in their respective countries. – TradeArabia News Service