RIYADH: Jordan’s port city of Aqaba is set to experience increased efficiency with the signing of an agreement between Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corp. The agreement was signed by the Emirati port group’s digital arm, Maqta Gateway, with the aim of implementing a Ports Community System. According to a release by the group, the system will facilitate communication and transactions between the Jordanian harbor, its terminal operators, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, and other stakeholders within the port’s ecosystem, streamlining services and enhancing efficiency. The shareholders’ agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 20th Transport Middle East Conference in the UAE, in the presence of Nayef Al-Fayez, chief commissioner of ASEZA, and Mohamed Juma Al-Shamisi, managing director and group CEO of AD Ports Group. Al-Shamisi said: “This agreement with the Aqaba Development Corp. demonstrates our continued efforts toward enhancing the Kingdom’s maritime sector and complements our efforts in bolstering its tourism sector. It also reaffirms the strong trade ties between the two nations.” He added: “We are excited to see our ports’ digitalization expertise and advanced technology know-how being leveraged for the Port of Aqaba. We look forward to offering them across more international locations to continue on our mission of transforming global trade.” The Ports of Aqaba, situated at the crossroads of three continents, handle 80 percent of Jordan’s exports and 65 percent of its imports. Its container terminal ranks as the second busiest in terms of volume along the Red Sea and the fourth largest in the region. Additionally, it serves as a key transit point for the trade demands of neighboring countries, necessitating continuous expansion, increased efficiency, and digital transformation. The Ports Community System will be executed by the two bodies’ existing joint venture company, Maqta Ayla, with Maqta Gateway holding a 51 percent stake in Maqta Ayla, while ADC holds 49 percent. The solution is expected to be operational within 12 months, aiming to deliver carbon emission reductions equivalent to 90,000 in-person visits within a year of its implementation.