Saudi Arabia: Council of Economic, Development Affairs Tackles Investors’ Contribution in Logistic Services

Meeting between the Local Content Unit and the National Logistics Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh on Wednesday. Asharq Al-Awsat.
Meeting between the Local Content Unit and the National Logistics Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh on Wednesday. Asharq Al-Awsat.
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Saudi Arabia: Council of Economic, Development Affairs Tackles Investors’ Contribution in Logistic Services

Meeting between the Local Content Unit and the National Logistics Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh on Wednesday. Asharq Al-Awsat.
Meeting between the Local Content Unit and the National Logistics Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh on Wednesday. Asharq Al-Awsat.

Fahd al-Sukait of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs has discussed with officials in the National Logistics Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC), on Wednesday, the condition of investors in logistic services and suggestions to boost this sector and its contribution in the public sector.

This comes amid expectations that the sector grows in 2018 up to 17-22 percent.

The meeting discussed programs that contribute in reinforcing logistic services within the plan to stimulate the private sector, programs to support SMEs and plans to qualify and train the Saudi youths. It also tackled plans to saudize and attract Saudi youths to this sector.

The two sides discussed the role of chambers of commerce and the Local Content Unit in highlighting both the risks and upsides of this decision, and how to address any challenges in this regard to make jobs in the sector sustainable.

Sukait stressed importance of associative strategy between the public and private sector, which achieves economic growth, contributes in accomplishing the Saudi Vision 2030 and reduces unemployment.

He directed the Local Content Unit to submit the five main challenges to the logistics sector so as to address them as soon as possible and elevate the sector’s performance.

Saud al-Nefaei, head of National Logistics Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers, said to Asharq Al-Awsat during a phone-call that “work is ongoing so that the logistics sector becomes a system linked with many related sectors whether transportation, storage, customs and others."

Nefaei noted that the sector is witnessing a mounting growth, expecting the logistics sector growth to range between 17-22 percent during 2018.



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.