JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, in his capacity as chairman of the Supreme Committee for Transport and Logistics, has launched a comprehensive master plan for logistics centers aimed at elevating Saudi Arabia’s status as a global logistical hub.
The strategic master plan is designed to enhance the Kingdom’s logistical infrastructure, diversify the local economy, and position Saudi Arabia as a premier investment destination and a pivotal global logistics hub, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Crown Prince emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader set of ongoing projects outlined by the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS). The strategy is intended to bolster the logistical sector’s role in supporting the economy, fortify the local, regional, and international ties of trade networks and supply chains, and foster collaboration with the private sector. These efforts are intended to drive job creation and solidify Saudi Arabia’s stature as a global logistics hub due to its strategic geographical positioning between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Master Plan Outlines Establishment of 59 Logistics Centers
The master plan outlines the establishment of 59 logistics centers, spanning a combined area of over 100 million square meters. The distribution of these centers includes 12 in the Riyadh region, 12 in the Makkah region, 17 in the Eastern Province, and 18 spread across the rest of the Kingdom. Currently, 21 centers are in various stages of implementation, and all centers are slated for completion by 2030.
The logistics centers’ mission extends beyond facilitating trade. They will enable local industries to efficiently export Saudi products, strengthen the e-commerce sector by expediting connections between logistics and distribution centers across different regions, and simplify the issuance of logistics licenses. This follows the launch of the unified logistics license, the licensing of over 1,500 local, regional, and international logistics firms, and the introduction of the Fasah initiative—a cooperative e-system integrated into Saudi customs with the involvement of pertinent government bodies.
The logistics services sector holds immense promise as a pillar of economic diversification and advancement within Saudi Arabia. Presently, it is undergoing a significant transformation characterized by pivotal initiatives and notable advancements aimed at fostering the sector’s growth, broadening its economic and developmental contributions, and forging partnerships with the private sector. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics is committed to developing the logistics industry, enhancing the export strategy, expanding investment opportunities, and fostering collaborations with private enterprises.
