- Saudi Arabia is poised to not only enhance its own economy but also contribute to a more interconnected and environmentally conscious global trade network.
- With 30 ports accounting for 80% of transportation activity, the urgency of transitioning to clean energy solutions in the logistics sector becomes increasingly apparent.
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, at the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum held at the King Abdullah Financial Centre in Riyad, revealed plans for the management of four Saudi airports by the private sector starting in 2025.
The initiative marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the Kingdom’s logistics capabilities and aligning its infrastructural development with contemporary economic trends. As Saudi Arabia positions itself at the nexus of global trade between East and West, Al-Falih underscored the necessity of regionalising supply chains to bolster efficiency and sustainability.
The minister articulated a vision of Saudi Arabia as a burgeoning centre for logistics, equipped with vital maritime communication links to neighboring countries, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
The establishment of a Gulf Railway Grid promises to augment existing transport frameworks, thereby facilitating smoother trade routes and fostering economic cooperation within the region. With 30 ports accounting for 80 per cent of transportation activity, the urgency of transitioning to clean energy solutions in the logistics sector becomes increasingly apparent.
Focus on sustainability
The Global Logistics Forum, held under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, provides a crucial platform for over 120 speakers, ranging from ministers to logistics experts, to exchange ideas and identify challenges and opportunities in the sector.
The forum’s focus on sustainability and innovative technologies aligns with global shifts towards environmentally responsible practices. Engaging discussions on flexibility in global trade and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies will serve to transform the logistics landscape, enabling a more sustainable and connected world.
Additionally, a memorandum of understanding signed between the Saudi Ministry of Transport and the Egyptian Ministry of Transport reflects a proactive approach toward international collaboration, particularly in maritime transport research.
The presence of high-level delegations from Egypt signifies a commitment to fostering bilateral relations that can further enhance the logistics sector’s capacity and integration.
