In line with the Vision 2030 objective of transforming the Kingdom into a leading industrial powerhouse and global logistics hub, the Ministry of Transport & Logistics Services (MOTLS) has laid out an ambitious strategy that aims to develop the Kingdom’s transport & logistics sector and address the increasing global demand for logistics services.
Ever since, the sector has witnessed unprecedented growth and progress, making its mark on the global logistics industry, a direct outcome of the continuous efforts by MOTLS. In the recently released Logistics Performance Index 2023 (LPI) published by the World Bank, Saudi Arabia made significant progress, moving up 17 ranks to achieve 38th from 55th in 2018.
To bolster the Kingdom’s efforts in this direction, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched comprehensive programs focused on different aspects of the sector. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) was established in 2021 to strengthen human and technical capabilities in the transport and logistics sector in the Kingdom. Earlier in 2019, the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) was launched to build the country’s industrial and logistical capabilities and position it as a global leader in the industry.
The programs aspire to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub. With a unique geographical location connecting three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa, the country is in an advantageous position to become the gateway facilitating easy trade and movement of goods across continents. The country hosts 12% of the annual global container trade passes on the Asia-Europe trade route.
Saudi Arabia has been on the fast track to shift its economy away from oil and build a more diverse and holistic economic ecosystem. Currently, the logistics sector contributes 6% of the KSA GDP and is projected to contribute 10% by 2030, around SAR 20.1 billion.
Boosting its cargo capacity and bolstering supply chains further, the Kingdom announced the launch of 59 logistics zones by 2030, 21 of which are already operational. The country also inaugurated its first Special Integrated Logistics Zone at King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh. The measures are part of the infrastructure development strategy and aim to fuel business growth, attract investment, and increase the sector’s non-oil revenue to about 45 billion riyals a year by 2030.
Vision 2030 is the roadmap to building a globalized country with sustainable progress. Transport & logistics are the backbones of any economy, and we aim to develop the sector, build connectivity and enhance our global competitiveness as a country. We put all our weight into developing internal & external supply chains and streamlining processes to the best international standards to provide world-class infrastructure and services. Our focus is on opening Saudi to the world with many opportunities.
In October 2022, HRH The Crown Prince also launched the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (GSCRI) to attract local and international investments in the supply chain sector. Aiming to raise 40 billion riyals ($10.64 billion) in its first two years, the initiative has set 10 billion riyals in financial and non-financial incentives for investors.
Pushing toward a fast-paced transformation, the Kingdom has earmarked milestones for the rail, road, maritime, and aviation sectors. The largest and most populous GCC nation, the Kingdom, also aims to create over two hundred thousand jobs in the industry by 2030.