New Saudi Initiative Supports Exporters, Stimulates Economic Sustainability in South

The Cluster 2 Company, in cooperation with the Saudi SAL Logistics Services Company and Saudia Cargo, announced on Tuesday the launch of the initiative that aims to encourage and increase Saudi Arabia’s exports of agricultural crops. (Photo: SAL)
The Cluster 2 Company, in cooperation with the Saudi SAL Logistics Services Company and Saudia Cargo, announced on Tuesday the launch of the initiative that aims to encourage and increase Saudi Arabia’s exports of agricultural crops. (Photo: SAL)
TT

New Saudi Initiative Supports Exporters, Stimulates Economic Sustainability in South

The Cluster 2 Company, in cooperation with the Saudi SAL Logistics Services Company and Saudia Cargo, announced on Tuesday the launch of the initiative that aims to encourage and increase Saudi Arabia’s exports of agricultural crops. (Photo: SAL)
The Cluster 2 Company, in cooperation with the Saudi SAL Logistics Services Company and Saudia Cargo, announced on Tuesday the launch of the initiative that aims to encourage and increase Saudi Arabia’s exports of agricultural crops. (Photo: SAL)

In line with the ongoing efforts towards strengthening and sustaining the local economy and expanding trade exchange in the region, the Cluster 2 Company announced a new initiative aimed at supporting farmers and exporters in Jazan, south of the Kingdom.

Jazan is considered one of the most important agricultural regions in the Kingdom, thanks to its arable soil and groundwater. The city is also home to basic and transformational industries, and an ideal center for the growth of business and manufacturing industries.

The Cluster 2 Company, in cooperation with the Saudi SAL Logistics Services Company and Saudia Cargo, announced on Tuesday the launch of the initiative that aims to encourage and increase Saudi Arabia’s exports of agricultural crops, and to support farmers and exporters in the region, specifically during the current 2024 mango season.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Logistics specialist Nashmi Al-Harbi pointed to the importance of this initiative, in terms of reducing export fees, which in turn will help increase the export volume and expand the access of national products to local and international markets.

He added that Jazan City for Basic and Transformative Industries represents a qualitative leap in terms of economic development in the southern region.

Al-Harbi noted that the new initiative was consistent with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services, both in improving goods and shipping services, as well as advancing the Kingdom’s ranking on logistics services performance indicators and ensuring its leadership regionally.

Jazan is known for seven important sectors, including agriculture in greenhouses, sustainable evergreen and deciduous fruit trees, the manufacture of agricultural products and their accessories, as well as crops, services, agricultural equipment, natural plants, flowers and roses, and vertical agriculture.

As the Jazan region is a major home to the world’s most famous Arabica coffee, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in May 2022 the launch of the Saudi Coffee Company, with the aim of supporting the local coffee and elevating it to global ranks.

The Cluster 2 Company manages and operates 22 international, tourist and domestic airports in the Kingdom, by applying the best experiences, engaging the private sector, attracting local and international investments to enhance the customer experience, as well as improving sustainable infrastructure, and providing valuable benefits for beneficiaries.

SAL is a national facility specialized in providing ground handling services for air cargo and logistical solutions in the Kingdom. It handles 95 percent of the volume of air shipments at airports, making it a major driver in the development of this sector, according to Vision 2030.



Saudi Arabia Calls from Davos to Reshaping Global Economic Approach

High-Level Saudi Delegation Concludes Davos Forum with WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab (SPA)
High-Level Saudi Delegation Concludes Davos Forum with WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Calls from Davos to Reshaping Global Economic Approach

High-Level Saudi Delegation Concludes Davos Forum with WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab (SPA)
High-Level Saudi Delegation Concludes Davos Forum with WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has called for a “reshaping of the global economic approach” amidst severe disruptions and trade tensions that are impacting global growth rates and, consequently, the standard of living for individuals worldwide.

Economic sectors across the globe are grappling with instability due to rising debt levels, inflation rates, and fluctuating local currencies, which have diminished the purchasing power of many consumers. At the same time, some countries are imposing tariffs on certain exports, a move that could drive inflation back to record highs and further restrict international trade.

Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the 2025 World Economic Forum annual meeting, held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24, by announcing its partnership with the WEF to host a high-level recurring international forum starting in the first half of 2026.

Headed by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the delegation showcased key achievements and objectives under Vision 2030 while engaging in public and private discussions about solutions to global challenges.

The WEF, in collaboration with Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, published a research paper titled “The Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” which highlighted trends in the tourism sector and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism released a white paper detailing the unique opportunities offered by Vision 2030 in the tourism industry.

In another significant announcement, the WEF, in partnership with the Global Cybersecurity Forum Foundation, launched the Cyber Economics Center, to be headquartered in Riyadh. The center aims to serve as a global think tank exploring the economic dimensions of cybersecurity and to provide reliable insights and in-depth studies to help policymakers worldwide understand the link between economies and cybersecurity.

The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu also announced the inclusion of Jubail Industrial City in the Transformation Towards Sustainable Industrial Clusters initiative, launched by the WEF in 2025. Jubail became the first industrial city in the Middle East to join this global initiative, in collaboration with Accenture and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

Moreover, the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority released a report on the Markets of Tomorrow Accelerator initiative in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its contributions to fostering positive economic transformations through entrepreneurship-focused solutions. The report outlined future opportunities for enabling the growth of promising markets in the Kingdom.

Salesforce announced plans to establish a new regional headquarters in Riyadh and pledged to provide skill development opportunities for 30,000 Saudi citizens by 2030. The company also unveiled a partnership with IBM to open an artificial intelligence innovation hub in the Kingdom.

The Saudi delegation included several ministers, such as Commerce Minister Dr. Majid Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Tourism Minister Ahmed bin Aqil Al-Khateeb, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, Communications and IT Minister Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, and Economy and Planning Minister Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim.

Delegation members participated in key discussions, including panels on “The Future of Growth,” “Diplomacy in Times of Chaos,” “Inclusive Innovation Ecosystems,” “Challenges for Emerging Economies,” “Protecting the Environment and Securing Humanity,” “The Future of Travel,” “The State of AI Governance,” and “Economic Transformation in the Kingdom.”

As part of its participation, the Ministry of Economy and Planning organized the Saudi House initiative, a global platform showcasing Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030. The pavilion, attended by more than 5,000 visitors, featured several government entities, including the Ministries of Health, Transport and Logistics, Communications and IT, Tourism, Investment, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the Royal Commission for AlUla.