Saudi Investment Minister Emphasizes Role of Transportation, Logistics in Driving Global Development

Officials take part in the panel discussion at the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
Officials take part in the panel discussion at the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
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Saudi Investment Minister Emphasizes Role of Transportation, Logistics in Driving Global Development

Officials take part in the panel discussion at the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
Officials take part in the panel discussion at the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih emphasized on Sunday the crucial role of transportation and logistics in driving global development.

During the opening session of the Global Logistics Forum 2024, Al-Falih highlighted the strategic significance of the Middle East, which serves as a pivotal link between East and West due to its prime geographical location.

He acknowledged the rapid advancements in Saudi Arabia’s transportation and logistics sectors, underscoring their direct impact on investment and the national economy.

Speaking on the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Al-Falih pointed out that the development of the transportation and logistics sectors is key to achieving a qualitative transformation both locally and regionally, empowering the private sector to play a more significant role in these sectors.

The session, “Logistics Builds Nations, and Nations Build Logistics”, included participation from leading Arab ministers, including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser; Egypt’s Minister of Transport Major General Kamel Al-Wazir; the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei; and Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Eng. Saeed Al-Maawali.

Al-Jasser emphasized that the logistics sector is crucial for realizing the objectives of Vision 2030 by prioritizing and enabling projects across various sectors, such as Hajj and Umrah, tourism, trade, industry, and quality of life. Aligning these priorities has significantly contributed to economic growth and development in the Kingdom.



IMF Grants Egypt Initial Approval of $1.2 Bln Fourth Review

Santa Claus toys are displayed in a shop with Christmas decorations in Cairo, Egypt, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
Santa Claus toys are displayed in a shop with Christmas decorations in Cairo, Egypt, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
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IMF Grants Egypt Initial Approval of $1.2 Bln Fourth Review

Santa Claus toys are displayed in a shop with Christmas decorations in Cairo, Egypt, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
Santa Claus toys are displayed in a shop with Christmas decorations in Cairo, Egypt, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)

The International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday it reached a staff-level agreement with Egypt on the fourth review under its Extended Fund Facility arrangement, potentially unlocking a $1.2 billion disbursement under the program.

Egypt, grappling with high inflation and shortages of foreign currency, agreed to the $8 billion, 46-month facility in March. A sharp decline in Suez Canal revenue caused by regional tensions over the last year compounded its economic woes.

The IMF said Egypt's government had agreed to increase its tax-to-revenue ratio by 2% of gross domestic product over the next two years, with a focus on eliminating exemptions rather than increasing taxes.

This would give it space to increase social spending to help vulnerable groups, the IMF said in a statement.

"While the authorities' plans to streamline and simplify the tax system are commendable, further reforms will be needed to enhance domestic revenue mobilization efforts," the statement said.

Egypt had agreed to make more decisive efforts to ensure the private sector became the main engine of growth and to sustain its commitment to a flexible exchange rate, the IMF statement added.

The staff-level agreement of the fourth review must still be approved by the IMF's executive board.