Doha, December 23 (QNA) - In their editorials on Wednesday, Qatari newspapers affirmed that Hamad Port is an advanced leap that will support the State of Qatar's economy and renaissance.

In this regard, the newspapers hailed the initial operation of Hamad Port's Container Terminal 2 (CT2) which was inaugurated on Tuesday by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, pointing out that this step will contribute to increasing the port's capacity and will enhance the country's commercial and economic activities.

Al-Sharq daily said that Qatar is progressing in implementing its National Vision 2030 in all fields at a steady pace without delay, and without being affected by the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic or other crises that affected many countries around the world.

The paper referred to HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior's inauguration of the initial operation of Hamad Port's Container Terminal 2 (CT2) that will contribute to increasing the port's capacity to 3 million TEUs.

The paper noted HE's visit to the Port where he inspected its facilities and warehouses of the Strategic Food Security, and watched a presentation about the ports strategy, expansions and foreign investments.

The daily emphasised that the initial operation of the Container Terminal 2 is another achievement for Hamad Port, and will increase the volume of Qatar's intra-trade with world countries and improve its competitiveness by transforming it into a regional trading hub, noting that this will create a sustainable development for future generations.

In conclusion, Al-Sharq said that Hamad Port, which is one of the most important long-term projects that embodies Qatar National Vision 2030, has made important achievements in a short period of time, which strengthened Qatar's position and contributed to making it an important logistical hub for transshipment in the region, thanks to its great capabilities, modern facilities and advanced systems. 

Al-Watan newspaper noted the visit of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani to Hamad Port on Tuesday morning when he inaugurated the initial operation of Hamad Port's Container Terminal 2, which is equipped with the latest environment-friendly technological equipment to meet the needs and requirements of shipping line operators and would increase the port's capacity by about three million containers per year.

It also pointed out that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior also inaugurated the Hamad Port Health Centre and inspected its facilities, which are equipped with all the medical equipment needed to serve the port's employees and visitors.

The newspaper affirmed in its editorial that the initial operation of Container Terminal 2 is another achievement for Hamad Port, as its capabilities, modern facilities and advances systems will increase the volume of trade between Qatar and the countries of the world, as well as improve the competitiveness of the State through transforming it into a regional trade center in a way that creates sustainable development for future generations.

It said that this new achievement indicates the continuation of plans to develop and raise the Port's capacity, adding that these plans are being implemented in full swing despite the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, which affected directly and indirectly the economies of many countries of the world.

The newspaper pointed out that all the materials and equipment that were used in the infrastructure and construction works for Container Terminal 2 were manufactured in Qatar and are of international standards; additionally, the electric locomotive structures for container transport were also manufactured in Qatar, in order to serve and support the strategy and legislation of electric vehicles aimed at supporting the country's efforts for a green future.

Al-Watan concluded its editorial by stressing that this Port will give Qatar further independence, reduce the costs of import and export operations and strengthen foreign trade relations away from the previous dependence on the ports of other countries, which is another important achievement to support development plans in all domains. 

Lusail newspaper said that the initial operation of Hamad Port's Container Terminal 2 (CT2), which was inaugurated on Tuesday by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, is an important strategic step to increase the port's capacity to 3 million TEUs annually, in line with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's vision.

The newspaper said in its editorial Wednesday that the initial operation of the Container Terminal 2 will play a pivotal role as a major provider of integrated logistical services in accordance with global standards and a regional shipping center in the region, noting that this will enhance the performance of the national economy and support ambitious diversification programs for the next stage.

The paper also said that HE the Prime Minister affirmed that CT2 has been fitted out with latest ecofriendly equipment with advanced technology and will make a quantum leap in the ports capacity and keep pace with global strategies and expansions after operating and developing the four phases of the terminal to increase the ports operational capacity according to the requirements of the local market.

The paper also noted that the Port's food security facilities are being developed at an estimated budget of QAR 1.6 billion over an area of approximately 53 hectares, and will provide high-quality services to industrialists, investors and importers at home and abroad, as projects to develop the port's logistics services are accelerating and proceeding according to the highest international standards.

Hamad Port is one of the most important long-term projects that embody the Qatar National Vision 2030, and provides new capabilities for specific sectors in the maritime transport in the region, the paper said, adding that it also strengthens foreign trade relations and contributes to increasing the volume of international trade between Qatar and the countries of the world.

In conclusion, Lusail expected that the port will give a strong impetus to the private sector, through the exploitation of the port and the free and economic zones being implemented in the country, in a way that would contribute to strengthening the national economy and the internal and external trade, as well as the country's strategic partnerships with the world. 

In turn, Al-Raya newspaper praised in its editorial the initial operation of Hamad Port's Container Terminal 2 , the food security facilities and warehouses and the opening of the Port's health center in the presence of HE Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, noting that this affirms that Qatar is continuing to implement its strategic projects.

The newspaper pointed out that the initial operation of Hamad Port's Container Terminal 2, which is equipped with the latest environment-friendly technological equipment to meet the needs and requirements of shipping line operators, will increase the port's capacity by about three million containers per year

Al-Raya newspaper emphasized that the State of Qatar attaches great importance to Hamad Port, as it is a pioneering strategic project that fulfills Qatar's aspirations to achieve food security, place the country on the map of global trade and ensure the flow of supply chains.

The newspaper pointed out that the record growth in the shipping line network reflects the capabilities of Qatar's huge ports, especially Hamad Port, in maximizing trade in the region, and its important role in enhancing the world's confidence in the Qatari economy.

The newspaper added that Qatar's ports have vital infrastructure necessary to achieve the goals of economic diversification in the country, and to stimulate the private sector, as Hamad Port provides tremendous potential for receiving all types and sizes of ships and vessels, noting that this reflects the success of the strategy followed in ensuring the flow and exit of goods and commodities into and out of the country, so that Qatar becomes a center for trade in the region and the world.

Al-Raya concluded its editorial by stressing that Hamad Port is a new addition to the State of Qatar's achievement and supports the national economy and renaissance. (QNA)