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Saudi Transport Minister Inaugurates Global Logistics Forum 2024

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated in Riyadh on Sunday the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated in Riyadh on Sunday the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
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Saudi Transport Minister Inaugurates Global Logistics Forum 2024

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated in Riyadh on Sunday the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated in Riyadh on Sunday the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated in Riyadh on Sunday the Global Logistics Forum 2024.

Held under the theme "Reshaping the Global Map of Logistics," the event was attended by several ministers, senior officials, leaders of international organizations and industrial unions, experts, academics, and analysts.

The inaugural forum, running on October 12 and 14, includes the participation of 130 speakers and 80 exhibitors from 30 countries.

Al-Jasser expressed his gratitude to King Salman for his esteemed patronage of this forum. He thanked Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who has given an "inspiring character to the logistics sector, turning it into a comprehensive, strong, and ambitious vision."

"The present moment is ideal for convening this forum, as the global logistics sector is at a pivotal juncture." he added. "Current global challenges underscore the need for safeguarding supply chains and maintaining the operational continuity of logistics services, which are fundamental to global trade."

"The Global Logistics Forum presents an opportunity to enhance, innovate, and secure the global logistics networks that unite us, fostering economic prosperity and ensuring the timely delivery of goods," he stressed.

Al-Jasser emphasized the need to expedite the transformation of the transport and logistics sector and to establish it as a global hub for trade and logistics. The Kingdom is persistently advancing its logistics infrastructure in line with Vision 2030, bolstered by substantial government investments aimed at improving supply chain efficiency and linking global markets.

The minister explained that the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, launched by the Crown Prince in mid-2021, aims to invest more than SAR1 trillion by 2030. He added that SAR200 billion of this amount has already been allocated, enabling the Saudi logistics sector to advance significantly and contributing to improving the Kingdom's global rankings.

Al-Jasser pointed out that Saudi Arabia — which for centuries has been at the crossroads of some of the most important trade routes in history, such as the Incense and Spice Routes and the maritime route of the Silk Road — now seeks to shape its logistic future.

This is being achieved through advanced infrastructure like King Salman International Airport, modern seaports, and an expanded railway network, he said, noting that these facilities are crucial to achieving the Saudi Vision 2030, as they continue to drive the Kingdom towards becoming a global logistics powerhouse.

Moreover, Al-Jasser highlighted the achievements of the transport and logistics system, which have resulted in the Kingdom advancing 17 ranks in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index and 14 in the International Air Transport Association's global connectivity index.

He also pointed out that last year, the Saudi railway network helped reduce the equivalent of one million truck trips in the country, significantly contributing to reducing carbon emissions.

He stressed the importance of joint efforts over the next two days to address the challenges "we face and strive to shape a sustainable future that fosters prosperity for all."

The forum includes broad participation representing leaders in the logistics sector from the public and private sectors, along with experts, top executives, and industry pioneers from various countries. It is holding panel discussions aimed at boosting international cooperation and stimulating joint efforts to advance logistics services and enhance their development role in the global economy.

The forum is also discussing key topics in the transport and logistics sector, such as empowering global markets, investing in logistics infrastructure, and the resilience of logistics services in the face of disruptions in the Red Sea area, in addition to discussions on the new era of energy ports and empowering talents to transform the future industries.

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The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
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The Future of Revenues in Syria: Challenges and Opportunities for the Interim Government

A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)
A money changer conducts a transaction in US dollars and Syrian pounds for a client on a street in Damascus (AFP)

Syria faces significant challenges as discussions intensify about the post-Bashar al-Assad era, particularly in securing the necessary revenues for the Syrian interim government to meet the country’s needs and ensure its sustainability. The widespread destruction of the economy and infrastructure poses a dual challenge: rebuilding the nation while stimulating economic activity and ensuring sufficient financial resources for governance.

Currently, the interim government relies heavily on international and regional support during the transitional phase. Donor countries are expected to provide financial and technical assistance to help rebuild institutions and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.

However, as the country transitions, external support alone will not suffice. The government must identify sustainable revenue sources, such as managing natural resources, imposing taxes, and encouraging foreign investments.

Opportunities from the Syrian Diaspora

The Syrian diaspora is seen as a significant economic resource, contributing through remittances or involvement in reconstruction projects. However, realizing these opportunities requires the establishment of strong, transparent institutions, effective resource management, and a clear strategic plan to rebuild trust with both local and international communities.

Securing revenues for the interim government is not merely a financial challenge but also a test of its ability to lead Syria toward stability and prosperity.

Securing Economic Resources

Nasser Zuhair, head of the Economic and Diplomatic Affairs Unit at the European Policy Organization, stated that the interim government, currently led by Mohammed al-Bashir, may replicate its revenue-generating models from Idlib. Resources in Idlib were drawn from temporary measures that are insufficient for sustaining a national economy like Syria’s.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Zuhair explained that these resources included taxation, fuel trade with Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-controlled areas, international aid for displaced persons in Idlib, remittances from the Syrian diaspora, and cross-border trade facilitated by Turkiye.

“The interim government believes that sanctions relief is a matter of months, after which it can begin to establish a sustainable economy. For now, it will rely on the same resources and strategies used in Idlib and other controlled areas,” Zuhair added.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the former regime’s reliance on illicit revenues, such as drug trafficking and Captagon production—estimated to account for 25% of government revenues—the interim government has several potential avenues for generating revenue.

International Aid

Zuhair emphasized that cross-border humanitarian aid indirectly supports local economies. “The current government understands that international and regional aid will be substantial in the coming period, particularly for refugee repatriation and infrastructure development,” he noted.

He added that efforts to secure funding from the Brussels Conference, which allocates about $7 billion annually to support Syria, will be critical. Strengthening ties with regional and European countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Germany, and the UK, is also a priority. However, securing such aid depends on establishing a political framework where Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) does not dominate governance.

He further noted that international and regional support will likely remain a key revenue source for the interim government, including humanitarian and developmental aid from organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.

Taxes and Tariffs

Zuhair highlighted taxes and tariffs as essential components of the government’s revenue strategy. This includes taxing local economic activities, customs duties on cross-border trade, and fair taxes on merchants and industrialists in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo.

“The government can also impose income, corporate, and property taxes while improving border management to maximize revenue from customs and tariffs,” he added.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Syria’s vast and fertile agricultural lands present an opportunity for revenue generation, Zuhair underlined, explaining that taxes on agricultural products could contribute to state income. However, this sector faces logistical challenges and high production costs. By directing the agricultural sector toward self-sufficiency, the government could reduce dependence on imports and create surplus revenue, he remarked.

Additionally, managing natural resources such as oil and gas could provide a significant revenue stream if the government gains control over resource-rich areas like northeastern Syria, the official noted.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction presents another potential revenue source. International companies could be encouraged to invest in rebuilding efforts in exchange for fees or taxes. Public-private partnerships with local and foreign firms in sectors such as infrastructure and housing could also generate significant funds.

Remittances from the Diaspora

Zuhair stressed the importance of remittances from Syrians abroad, estimating that these transfers could reach $2 billion annually by 2025. Encouraging the diaspora to send funds to support family members and rebuild properties will be a key priority for the government.

Domestic Investments

The interim government has shown its ability to attract domestic investments in real estate, industry, commerce, and agriculture, despite international sanctions. According to Zuhair, leveraging Türkiye as an international gateway, the government could expand this model across Syria, taking advantage of the challenging economic conditions left by the previous regime to draw reasonable investments in its first year.

Tourism and Small Businesses

Revitalizing the tourism sector could directly contribute to revenue, he added, noting that restoring historical and cultural sites, once security and stability are achieved, will attract visitors and generate income.

In addition, encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises will help revive the economy and create jobs, Zuhair emphasized, pointing that supporting manufacturing industries could provide a sustainable revenue stream.