Arab News, Thu, May 02, 2024 | Shawwal 23, 1445
Saudi imports, exports increase despite regional tensions
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia’s imports and exports increased 5 percent in the first quarter of
2024 despite the tension in the region, according to a senior official.
In November 2023, the Saudi Ports Authority, known
as Mawani, announced a 5.31 percent increase in container handling across all
seaports in October. A total of 741,905 twenty-foot equivalent units were
processed, compared to 704,486 a year before.
In an interview with Al-Ekhbariya TV channel on
the sidelines of the Logistic Integration Forum 2024, held on April 29 in the
Eastern Province, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser
noted that this growth stemmed from collaborative efforts between the public and
private sectors.
Al-Jasser emphasized that the Saudi logistics
sector has witnessed significant advancements since the launch of the National
Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services by Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman, which aims to transform the nation into a global logistics hub.
“This strategy entails ambitious objectives for
all modes of transportation and logistics in general. The Kingdom is making
significant strides in the logistics sector, with Saudi Arabia ascending 17
positions in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index in its report for
2023,” he said.
He additionally stated that Saudi Arabia has
demonstrated noteworthy improvement and enhanced connectivity between its ports
as per the UN Conference on Trade and Development shipping index report.
As for global air connectivity, the minister noted
that the number of international destinations connected to the Kingdom has
reached 150, compared to the pre-COVID figure of 100.
“We are experiencing significant growth in the
maritime, air, and railway sectors, with rapid developments underway,” he
said.Al-Jasser further noted substantial progress in the Eastern Province,
highlighting that King Abdulaziz Port saw growth exceeding 35 percent in the
first quarter of this year.
“Additionally, the region witnessed the inaugural
train journey from Jubail Port to Riyadh on Monday,” he said.
The minister also disclosed ongoing efforts to
establish free logistic zones, mirroring the successful model at Riyadh’s King
Khalid International Airport, the ports of Dammam and Jeddah, and King Salman
City in the Eastern Province.
Discussing land connectivity with Gulf countries,
Al-Jasser emphasized that Saudi leaders and their counterparts in the Gulf
states support and pay attention to this matter.
“The King Fahd Causeway stands as a monumental
project and holds immense global significance as one of the vital causeways
linking nations. The road infrastructure is currently experiencing growth and
enhancements,” he said.
He added: “We are actively collaborating with our
counterparts in Bahrain to explore future partnership opportunities.”
Regarding rail connectivity, the minister noted
that all ports in the Eastern Province are interconnected as part of the
national strategy, which also includes plans to connect several ports in the
western region and integrate all railway networks across the country.