New Shipping Service from China to Eastern Saudi Arabia Opens

Saudi Arabia expands shipping traffic with China by opening new shipping routes. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia expands shipping traffic with China by opening new shipping routes. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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New Shipping Service from China to Eastern Saudi Arabia Opens

Saudi Arabia expands shipping traffic with China by opening new shipping routes. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia expands shipping traffic with China by opening new shipping routes. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) launched on Monday, in cooperation with the Saudi Global Ports Company, a new shipping service from China to the King Abdulaziz Port in al-Dammam, in eastern Saudi Arabia, as part of the Kingdom's drive to consolidate its position as a global logistics hub,

In a statement, MAWANI said that the new service is offered by a consortium of vessels deployed by Pacific International Lines (PIL), Regional Container Lines (RCL), and CULINES (CUL).

It added that the move aims to strengthen the Authority’s efforts to develop Saudi Arabia as a global leader in logistics and transportation.

The new service, which connects the most important ports in central and southern China to the Arabian Gulf, provides weekly direct and regular shipping.

The first service arrived on Dec. 15 in Saudi Global Ports berth. It took off from the ports of China to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and then will return directly to China’s Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, as a clear indication of the importance of Saudi exports to the Far East markets and the remarkable development in the capabilities of King Abdulaziz Port.

The Authority aims to enhance connectivity and reduce the shipping time between Saudi Arabia’s ports with the main Chinese and the region’s ports, in order to support and stimulate the export of national products and the direct flow of imports and increase trade movement between the two countries.

The statement noted that the new step comes as a continuation of the strategic initiatives and partnerships launched by MAWANI with major international shipping line companies, within the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services and in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.



Saudi Arabia Reports SAR540 Billion in Services Trade with 7% Annual Growth

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and other officials are seen at the panel discussion at Davos. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and other officials are seen at the panel discussion at Davos. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reports SAR540 Billion in Services Trade with 7% Annual Growth

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and other officials are seen at the panel discussion at Davos. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and other officials are seen at the panel discussion at Davos. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom’s trade in services reached SAR540 billion in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 7%.

Speaking at a panel discussion on Trade in Service at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he underscored the global significance of the services sector, which makes up approximately 65% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), 60% of foreign investments, and serves as the largest provider of jobs worldwide, particularly benefiting women.

He emphasized the need for global collaboration to reduce regulatory and procedural obstacles in the services sector, adding that simplifying these systems would boost competitiveness and alleviate burdens on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), thereby raising their economic contribution.

Al-Kassabi outlined Saudi Arabia’s significant investments in digital infrastructure, including SAR93.7 billion already spent and an additional SAR75 billion allocated for future projects.

The investments, he said, aim to support digital transformation, boost businesses, and attract foreign investments.

The Kingdom has partnered with international organizations to establish legislative frameworks that protect investments and advance human resource development and has created a Center for Distinguished Residence to attract skilled talents, he went on to say.

The World Economic Forum emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the future of trade in services. It highlighted its partnership with the National Competitiveness Center on the Facilitating and Developing Trade in Services initiative, which focuses on key sectors such as information and communications technology (ICT), finance, transportation and logistics services, and mining. The sectors are vital as they underpin all economic activities.