Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser underlined on Sunday the remarkable progress in the Kingdom's port network, with an increase of 231.7 points on the UNCTAD Maritime Connectivity Index for 2024. He also disclosed the signing of contracts to develop 18 logistics zones with investments exceeding SAR 10 billion ($2.6 billion).
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the sixth edition of the Supply Chain and Logistics Services Conference in Riyadh, which aims to enhance integration across different transport modes and improve logistics efficiency as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a global logistics hub.
The two-day conference, held from December 15–16, brought together international experts and specialists to share insights on best practices and strategies to enhance supply chain performance. A new platform was also introduced to empower women in the logistics sector by providing training and development opportunities.
Al-Jasser emphasized the Ministry’s plan to increase the number of logistics zones in Saudi Arabia from the current 22 to 59 by 2030. He highlighted the successful implementation of the first phase of logistics integration, linking ports, airports, and railways through streamlined protocols and mechanisms. This integration ensures smooth freight movement across sea, air, and land, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s status as a global logistics hub under Vision 2030.
Speaking at a panel discussion entitled “The Role of Logistics in Enhancing Supply Chain Performance and Global Competitiveness under Vision 2030”, Al-Jasser revealed that the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) is working on doubling and expanding the Northern Train line. The project, with investments exceeding SAR 5 billion ($1.3 billion), is designed to support the growing mining sector in Saudi Arabia.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef announced that Saudi Arabia achieved SAR 61 billion ($16.2 billion) in re-export revenues in 2023, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. He attributed this success to strong infrastructure and collaboration among relevant entities, which have ensured the provision of efficient, high-quality services.
Alkhorayef added that the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) exported SAR 7 billion ($1.8 billion) worth of products in 2023. Saudi Arabia currently ranks fourth globally in fertilizer exports, with ambitions to become the global leader in the future.
Eng. Suleiman Al-Rubaian, Vice President of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Aramco, highlighted the iktva program, which focuses on maximizing the added value of Saudi supply chains. The program has built a network of over 3,000 local suppliers and service providers, fortifying domestic supply chains.
The first day of the conference witnessed the signing of 86 agreements aimed at improving supply chain performance. The event also includes an exhibition featuring 65 international and local companies, as well as eight specialized workshops.
