Transport Minister Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser Opens Supply Chain Conference 2024 In Riyadh

Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, inaugurated the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2024 at Riyadh's Hilton Granada Hotel. The event gathered ministers, senior officials, executives from logistics firms, and representatives from both global and local organisations. Leaders from significant public and private sector entities were also present.

The conference's opening session included a ministerial panel discussion featuring Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment, and Bandar Al-Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. The panel was titled "The Role of Logistics Prosperity in Enhancing the Supply Chain Sector in the Kingdom and Achieving Global Competitiveness."

In his opening remarks, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser highlighted the Kingdom's logistics growth due to leadership support inspired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He noted that Saudi ports gained 231.7 points in UNCTAD's maritime network connectivity index in 2024.

The minister emphasised Saudi Arabia's role in global trade facilitation by adding 30 new shipping lines since early 2024. This development underscores the Kingdom’s strategic focus on enhancing its logistics sector through initiatives like the Master Plan for Logistics Centers and the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.

Eng. Al-Jasser pointed out that Saudi Arabia has established 18 logistics zones in ports with investments exceeding SAR 10 billion. This investment reflects global companies' growing interest in the Kingdom’s logistics sector, significantly boosting its logistical capabilities and national economy.

The minister reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to improving logistical capabilities, supporting supply chains, facilitating exports, and advancing its performance in global logistics indices. Efforts include enhancing maritime routes, expanding air freight, increasing rail freight, and activating logistics centers for sustainable development.

Conference Highlights

The first day of the conference saw the signing of 86 agreements aimed at enhancing supply chain performance. Additionally, there were 12 keynote lectures, an exhibition featuring 65 international and local companies, and eight specialised workshops.

An entrepreneurship corner showcased innovative solutions like a solar-powered vehicle and unified platforms for e-commerce businesses to streamline shipment delivery. The innovation corner also focused on empowering operational teams through omnichannel sales management and warehouse operations.

The conference underscored Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub and a critical link in international supply chains. It highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance logistical capabilities while supporting sustainable development goals.

With inputs from SPA