Saudi National Center for Privatization Awarded Over 60 Contracts in 8 Targeted Sectors 

Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (SPA)
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Saudi National Center for Privatization Awarded Over 60 Contracts in 8 Targeted Sectors 

Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan took part in Beijing on Tuesday in a roundtable meeting organized by NCP in cooperation with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

Senior officials of Chinese companies interested in private-sector projects and public-private partnerships (PPPs) were also present.

Al-Jadaan noted the depth of the historical relationship between Saudi Arabia and China that are based on trust and continuous cooperation in various fields, said a Finance Ministry statement.

He added that NCP has since its inception awarded over 60 privatization and partnership contracts in eight targeted sectors, with a capital cost of over $10 billion.

It has also sought to strengthen its work by adopting the privatization law and complementary statutory tools that contribute to accelerating the implementation of PPP projects, he went on to say.

He praised the role played by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in supporting NCP efforts to present privatization and partnership opportunities and initiatives to Chinese investors and companies.

Participants at the meeting presented privatization and PPP opportunities in the infrastructure sector and how companies and investors can participate in privatization and partnership projects in several areas, most notably in construction, roads, water, and airports.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.