Azerbaijan Ambassador to Asharq Al-Awsat: Baku Plans to Waive Visa Requirements for Saudis

Baku is preparing to host the second edition of the Gulf-Azerbaijan Economic Forum in September (Reuters)
Baku is preparing to host the second edition of the Gulf-Azerbaijan Economic Forum in September (Reuters)
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Azerbaijan Ambassador to Asharq Al-Awsat: Baku Plans to Waive Visa Requirements for Saudis

Baku is preparing to host the second edition of the Gulf-Azerbaijan Economic Forum in September (Reuters)
Baku is preparing to host the second edition of the Gulf-Azerbaijan Economic Forum in September (Reuters)

The Federation of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chambers is scheduled to organize the second edition of the Gulf-Azerbaijan Economic Forum on September 25, under the theme “Sustainability, Investments, Partnerships,” in Baku.

The two-day forum aims to boost economic relations between the two sides in several promising economic sectors.

The event, supported by Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, is organized in collaboration with the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the GCC General Secretariat. The goal is to boost economic cooperation in several key sectors.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shahin Abdullayev, mentioned efforts to improve land and rail transport links with Russia and Iran, noting that this could become a significant area of cooperation with the Gulf region. He believes the forum will help strengthen ties between Azerbaijan and the GCC.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Abdullayev also highlighted the strong relationship between Azerbaijan and the Gulf countries, especially with Saudi Arabia.

He noted ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation in areas like renewable energy, agriculture, food, and tourism.

The diplomat also revealed that the Azerbaijani government is also working on waiving visa requirements for Saudi citizens, as it has already done for Qatar and the UAE.

The ambassador pointed to the success of Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power as an example of fruitful investment in Azerbaijan and expressed optimism about future partnerships.

He expects increased air travel and tourism as visa processes become easier, which would benefit both economies.

President of the Federation of GCC Chambers Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Rawas noted that the forum reflects the importance of enhancing and developing trade relations between the GCC countries and Azerbaijan and increasing the volume of trade exchange between the two sides.

He pointed out that the forum will showcase key investment opportunities and joint projects in several economic sectors, including food security and agriculture, renewable energy, logistics, and transportation, as well as sectors that support the growth of trade and investment between the two sides.

Al-Rawas added that the trade exchange volume between the GCC countries and Azerbaijan reached $1.8 billion in 2023, and Gulf investments in Azerbaijan amounted to approximately $7 billion.

He noted that Azerbaijan’s economic capabilities have led the federation to focus on holding such joint events.

Azerbaijan’s GDP is around $72.4 billion, with foreign trade exceeding $51 billion.



Saudi Arabia Expands Logistics Zones to Secure Global Supply Chains

Recently, the Saudi government announced the opening of new logistics zones, including a major investment by Danish shipping company Maersk. (Maersk)
Recently, the Saudi government announced the opening of new logistics zones, including a major investment by Danish shipping company Maersk. (Maersk)
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Saudi Arabia Expands Logistics Zones to Secure Global Supply Chains

Recently, the Saudi government announced the opening of new logistics zones, including a major investment by Danish shipping company Maersk. (Maersk)
Recently, the Saudi government announced the opening of new logistics zones, including a major investment by Danish shipping company Maersk. (Maersk)

The Saudi government is expanding its logistics zones to strengthen global supply chains and navigate future geopolitical and economic challenges.

This effort is part of the Kingdom’s plan to become an international logistics hub, connecting three continents and supporting its broader development goals.

Recently, the government announced the opening of new logistics zones, including a major investment by Danish shipping company Maersk.

The company has invested 1.3 billion Saudi riyals ($350 million) in a facility at Jeddah Islamic Port. With this addition, Saudi Arabia now has 22 logistics zones, aiming to reach 59 by 2030.

In November 2022, the Saudi government launched its first integrated logistics zone at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, with Apple as the first partner, opening a facility to serve Saudi Arabia and Africa.

In August 2023, the Saudi Ports Authority partnered with Al-Jeri Logistics to create two logistics zones at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.

These zones, covering 150,000 square meters, aim to improve services and boost the competitiveness of Saudi ports.

Experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia’s expansion of its logistics sector is vital for maintaining global supply chains and addressing future geopolitical and economic challenges.

Nashmi Al-Harbi, a logistics and supply chain expert, highlighted that expanding logistics zones will boost service efficiency locally and internationally.

He noted that Saudi Arabia’s strategic position, linking three continents, is crucial for sustainable supply chains.

Al-Harbi also mentioned that regional countries benefit from Saudi Arabia’s logistics advancements, attracting major global companies and facilitating trade and export activities.

Khaled Al-Ghamdi, another logistics expert, emphasized that Saudi Arabia's new logistics zones reinforce its role as a global logistics hub.

This expansion reduces the cost of transporting and storing goods, supporting local industries.

Al-Ghamdi said the spread of logistics zones enhances trade networks and could place Saudi Arabia among the top 10 countries in the Logistics Performance Index.

He added that the government has plans for 18 logistics zones, with three already operational, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to growth.

These zones use advanced systems and technologies, cutting costs and saving time for companies.

The integration with airports and roads creates a cohesive logistics network, making Saudi Arabia an attractive investment destination and a key global logistics hub.