Ten Agreements Signed at Riyadh Supply Chain Conference

The Supply Chain Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Supply Chain Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Ten Agreements Signed at Riyadh Supply Chain Conference

The Supply Chain Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Supply Chain Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Supporting the Kingdom’s ambitions for becoming a global destination for logistics services, the Supply Chain Conference held in Riyadh witnessed the signing of ten agreements that bolster the position of Saudi supply chains in the face of geopolitical challenges.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia announced inaugurating 59 logistic zones to bolster supply chains and logistic services.

At the conference, Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Osama Al-Zamil spoke on behalf of the Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser.

In the delivered speech, Al-Jasser stressed that the transport and logistics system is working on developing legislation, improving the Kingdom’s business environment, and attracting investments and modern technologies to meet the needs of many sectors.

He said the logistics zones will enable the Kingdom to play a regional and global role.

A total of 18 industrial zones were chosen to expand their business scope to become a logistical industrial hub, the minister added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s launch of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) has contributed in unifying the destination and charting the paths towards a brighter future for the Kingdom, Al-Jasser said.

He added that the NTLS has also empowered Saudi Arabia to be a global logistics center linking the three continents, in addition to the fact that it has enabled the Kingdom to be a model for sustainable transport.

The presence of integrated logistics services is an important factor to achieve the national targets of the industrial and mining sectors, noted Al-Jasser.

Khaled Al-Ghamdi, the official spokesman for the Supply Chain Conference, revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that 10 agreements were signed on the sidelines of the conference on Sunday.

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources had signed the deals with several companies, including “Al-Suwaidi” and “Al-Fanar.”

Moreover, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and Bahri, the global leader in transport and logistics, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation across their supply chain operations.

Al-Ghamdi said that the agreement will enhance bilateral cooperation throughout their supply chain operations. It will also pave the way for greater supply chain sustainability and allow for the provision of innovative logistics services.



Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
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Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo

Türkiye has received an exemption for gas payments to Russia after the United States imposed sanctions on Gazprombank, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar revealed in response to a question from Reuters.

The US imposed new sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank in November, creating an obstacle for buyers of Russian gas, which had been using the bank to make payments. They have since been seeking clarification and exploring other ways to pay.

Türkiye imports almost all its gas requirement and Russia is the top supplier, providing more than 50% of the country's pipeline imports.

Ankara's pipeline gas imports from Russia stood at 21.1 bcm last year.

Türkiye had requested an exemption in discussions with US officials so that it can continue paying for Russian natural gas imports via Gazprombank.

The US on Thursday also granted a waiver to Hungary, which mainly relies on Russian oil and gas.