The vibrant city of Rabat, Morocco, became the focal point for the 3rd Arab Postal Leaders Forum, which commenced its proceedings on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Organized through the collaborative efforts of the Barid Al-Maghrib group and the Universal Postal Union (UPU), this significant event convened key stakeholders from across the Arab region.

Under the pertinent theme, “Transforming Postal Supply Chains for a Digital Future Driven by E-commerce,” this two-day gathering was designed to delve into strategies for navigating the swift evolution within the postal sector. The discussions aimed to address the profound impact of the continuous expansion of electronic commerce and the broader digital economy.

During the forum’s opening, Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, emphasized the critical role of this assembly. He highlighted its potential to foster enhanced dialogue and synchronized efforts among industry participants, working towards the establishment of a more cohesive, efficient, and globally adaptable Arab postal and logistics system.

Minister Mezzour further outlined the multifaceted challenges confronting the Arab region’s postal landscape. These include the rapid shifts in commercial practices and consumer habits, alongside the escalating volume of e-commerce and cross-border digital transactions. He underscored the imperative for developing smart, interconnected infrastructures and integrating cutting-edge technological solutions with advanced digital services.

He proudly affirmed that Morocco, guided by the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, places significant emphasis on modernizing its postal and logistics sectors. This commitment extends to fostering e-commerce growth, accelerating the digital transition, and enhancing the overall business environment, all in alignment with leading international standards and best practices.

Amin Benjelloun Touimi, Director General of the Barid Al-Maghrib group, echoed these sentiments, articulating the various hurdles Arab postal institutions must overcome. These encompass modernizing logistical networks, expanding digital infrastructures, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics, strengthening e-commerce capabilities, and facilitating greater access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to both regional and international markets.

Mr. Touimi underscored that enhanced coordination among postal entities, coupled with strategic partnerships across the transport, technology, and e-commerce sectors, are vital for advancing the industry throughout the Arab region. He further noted Morocco’s strategic dedication to digital transition and economic integration as fundamental drivers for comprehensive national development.

Joining via video conference, Masahiko Metoki, Director General of the UPU International Bureau, highlighted how e-commerce, digital technologies, and evolving consumer expectations have dramatically reshaped global trade. He asserted that the future of the postal sector hinges on innovation, digital interoperability, and robust public-private partnerships, affirming the UPU’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Arab region’s transformative journey.

A notable moment during the forum was the special ceremony for the issuance of a joint commemorative stamp between Morocco and Mauritania. This event was graced by the presence of Alioune Ould Issa, Director General of Mauripost.

Hosting this forum in Morocco aligns perfectly with the enlightened vision of King Mohammed VI, which champions digital transformation and economic integration as crucial catalysts for comprehensive national progress. This gathering also continued the legacy of previous editions held in the Sultanate of Oman in 2024 and Qatar in 2025, underscoring the collective commitment to bolstering Arab cooperation and knowledge exchange in postal and logistics services.

Throughout the forum, participants were set to examine several strategic imperatives for the sector’s future. These included modernizing logistics chains and postal networks, integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics to elevate operational efficiency and service quality, and forging stronger partnerships between postal operators and various stakeholders within the logistics and digital ecosystems.

Further discussions focused on mechanisms to bolster cross-border e-commerce, facilitate market access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) regionally and internationally, and advance ‘last-mile’ delivery solutions. The agenda also included exploring financing models for modernization and digital transformation initiatives, all aimed at enhancing the Arab postal sector’s competitiveness and its readiness to meet the demands of the burgeoning digital economy.

The forum’s culmination will see the adoption of a comprehensive set of operational recommendations and a cooperation roadmap for the 2026-2027 period. These outputs are designed to champion e-commerce development, strengthen regional logistics integration, and cultivate an Arab postal ecosystem that is more resilient, innovative, and well-equipped for future challenges.

The opening ceremony of this pivotal gathering saw the participation of Directors General from 14 Arab postal operators, alongside distinguished representatives from the UPU International Bureau, the League of Arab States, various postal regulatory authorities, and numerous national and international dignitaries.