Saudi Arabia Makes Great Strides in Global Logistics Services

Saudi Arabia has recently witnessed significant development in the logistics services industry (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia has recently witnessed significant development in the logistics services industry (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Makes Great Strides in Global Logistics Services

Saudi Arabia has recently witnessed significant development in the logistics services industry (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia has recently witnessed significant development in the logistics services industry (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has jumped 17 ranks in the World Bank’ Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023, which allows it to attract more investments, and increase the volume of exports, imports, and international trade, experts told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The Kingdom’s progress in the international index came after achieving large leaps in several indicators, namely: logistical efficiency, tracking and tracing, timing, customs, infrastructure, and maritime freight.

Nashmi Al-Harbi, a logistics expert, told Asharq Al-Awsat that with unlimited empowerment and support from the government, Saudi Arabia will be able to reach the top ten positions, based on its development of the basic pillars of the LPI, namely: customs and ease of procedures, diversity, and transportation means, as well as facilities infrastructure, such as ports, airports, railways and land lines.

He also pointed to the initiatives recently launched by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, including the establishment of four economic zones that are aimed at attracting major foreign investments and companies and creating many job and commercial opportunities for the local market.

For his part, Economist Nasser Al-Qarawi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom’s jump in the LPI came as a result of a national strategic plan that seeks to transform the Kingdom into an international logistical business hub.

Saudi Arabia launched the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services, with the aim of increasing the sector’s contribution to the national GDP from 6 to 10 percent by 2030.

Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Eng. Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser announced last week that Saudi Arabia has jumped 17 ranks in the World Bank’ Logistics Performance Index.

This jump was achieved within the support and empowerment of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, the minister said, adding that the system will continue, through the directives of Saudi Arabia’s leadership, to move forward to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global logistic hub, in accordance with the national strategy for transportation and logistics services.



US-Saudi Business Council Hosts High-Level Investment Event

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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US-Saudi Business Council Hosts High-Level Investment Event

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The US-Saudi Business Council, in collaboration with the White House and the US Department of Commerce, hosted a high-level investment event on Friday in Washington.
The event was held in preparation for the upcoming visit of US President Donald Trump to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the economic partnership between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency said Saturday.
The event was attended by senior executives from more than 50 American companies, alongside a high-level Saudi delegation that included officials from over 10 ministries, government agencies, and private-sector companies. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue and the exchange of perspectives on the prospects for bilateral cooperation.
Representatives from the US Department of Commerce and the US-Saudi Business Council presented strategic visions and key topics focused on supporting trade and investment relations between both sides.
Participants discussed cooperation opportunities in sectors vital to both economies, including digitalization and artificial intelligence, mining and minerals, innovation in the energy sector, and the development of cross-border trade and investment.
Bilateral meetings between representatives of American companies and the Saudi delegation offered platforms to explore market trends and strengthen direct business relations.
The event reflected the shared commitment of both countries to advance economic cooperation to deeper levels and highlights the pivotal role of the US-Saudi Business Council in building bridges between the public and private sectors in both Saudi Arabia and the United States.