Saudi Crown Prince Chairs Meeting of Council of Economic and Development Affairs

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince an Prime Minister, during a cabinet meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince an Prime Minister, during a cabinet meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Chairs Meeting of Council of Economic and Development Affairs

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince an Prime Minister, during a cabinet meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince an Prime Minister, during a cabinet meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, chaired a meeting for the council on Tuesday.

The council reviewed several economic and development issues, including a presentation submitted by the Ministry of Economy and Planning regarding local and global economic development.

The presentation included details of the most important indicators related to the national economy, especially the growth witnessed by the sectors of the national economy, as well as a large number of other sectors and activities during the past period.

It also reviewed the prospects of the global economy during the coming period and an analysis of the most prominent indicators.

The council discussed the presentation submitted by the Strategic Management Office of the Council regarding the governance of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the roles of the supporting agencies.

It reviewed a presentation submitted by the Ministry of Health regarding the latest health developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and a presentation by the Project Management Office at the Secretariat of the Council regarding the follow-up on decisions and recommendations of the Council during the fourth quarter of the past year 2022.

The council made the necessary decisions and recommendations regarding these issues.



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.