Business

Saleh bin Nasser Al‑Jasser has launched the Logistics Corridors Initiative aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiency and facilitating cargo movement between ports across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

The initiative was announced during a visit to Jeddah Islamic Port, in the presence of Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi, Suliman bin Khalid Al‑Mazroua, and officials from government and logistics sectors.

The programme establishes dedicated operational corridors to receive containers and cargo redirected from ports in the Kingdom’s eastern region as well as from ports across the Gulf Cooperation Council. These shipments will be routed to Jeddah Islamic Port and other Red Sea ports, helping streamline logistics operations and maintain stable supply chains.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Role as a Logistics Hub

During the visit, Al-Jasser highlighted the strong support provided by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman to the Kingdom’s transport and logistics sector.

He emphasised that Saudi Arabia continues to ensure the smooth movement of goods and commodities through international trade routes, reinforcing its ambition to position itself as a global logistics hub.

According to Al-Jasser, Jeddah Islamic Port and other western coast ports play a crucial role in accommodating redirected shipments from the Kingdom’s eastern ports and handling cargo arriving from Gulf ports, strengthening connectivity with regional and global markets.

Integration with Customs and Logistics Systems

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, which is working to improve customs integration and accelerate cargo clearance procedures across Saudi ports.

Abanmi said the initiative represents a major step toward enhancing coordination between customs and logistics operations across GCC ports, enabling faster cargo movement and more efficient international trade flows.

The authority also provides transit services allowing goods to move across Saudi territory to other GCC countries via land, sea and air ports.

Additionally, importers and exporters can use bonded warehouse zones across the Kingdom, enabling goods to be stored with suspended duties and taxes until they are cleared or re-exported.

Operational Review at Jeddah Islamic Port

During his visit, Al-Jasser chaired a meeting at the Command and Control Center at Jeddah Islamic Port, where he reviewed:

• Cargo handling operations

• Vessel traffic movement

• Loading and unloading activities

He also conducted a field tour of container terminals, logistics parks and re-export centres at the port.

At the end of the visit, the minister met with port employees and praised their efforts, highlighting the cooperation between public and private sector entities in implementing the Kingdom’s logistics strategies.

Strategic Importance of Red Sea Ports

Jeddah Islamic Port is the largest hub port on the Red Sea and one of the region’s most important logistics centres.

Ports along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast collectively have an annual capacity exceeding 18.6 million TEUs, enabling them to handle large cargo volumes and adapt to changes in global supply chain routes.

Officials say the new logistics corridors will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to facilitate global trade and maintain resilient supply chains, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a key logistics gateway between Asia, Europe and Africa.

• Tags
• #Business
• #Magazine
• #Lifestyle