Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2024 on December 15, 2024, at the Hilton Granada Hotel in Riyadh. The event brought together ministers, senior officials, executives from supply chain and logistics companies, and representatives from global and local organizations, alongside leaders of prominent public and private sector entities.
Context and Background
The sixth edition of the conference takes place during a period of remarkable growth and prosperity in the Kingdom’s logistics and supply chain sectors. This progress, as noted by Eng. Al-Jasser, is a direct result of the unwavering support from the wise leadership, inspired by the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Key Details
Eng. Al-Jasser highlighted the Kingdom’s continued advancements in international rankings for container handling in 2024. Saudi ports gained 231.7 additional points in the maritime network connectivity index published by UNCTAD and added 30 new shipping lines since the start of 2024. This underscores Saudi Arabia’s vital role in facilitating global trade and boosting the logistics sector. The minister also emphasized the significance of HRH the Crown Prince’s launch of the Master Plan for Logistics Centers and the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, reflecting the leadership’s strategic focus on this sector.
Eng. Al-Jasser pointed out that, thanks to this support, Saudi Arabia has significantly enhanced its logistical capabilities, bolstering the national economy. Global companies have shown increased interest in the Kingdom’s logistics sector, leading to the establishment of 18 logistics zones in ports with investments exceeding SAR 10 billion. The conference’s opening session featured a ministerial panel discussion with Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef, titled “The Role of Logistics Prosperity in Enhancing the Supply Chain Sector in the Kingdom and Achieving Global Competitiveness.”
International Impact
The first day of the conference witnessed the signing of 86 agreements aimed at enhancing supply chain performance. The event also included 12 keynote lectures, an exhibition featuring 65 international and local companies, and eight specialized workshops. Additional highlights included an entrepreneurship corner and an innovation corner showcasing cutting-edge solutions, such as a solar-powered vehicle and unified platforms for e-commerce businesses and retailers to streamline shipment delivery. The innovation corner also aimed to empower operational teams through omnichannel sales management, warehouse operations, and shipping company integration.
The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to further enhancing its logistical capabilities, facilitating exports, supporting supply chains, and advancing its performance in global logistics indices. Eng. Al-Jasser outlined efforts to enhance maritime routes, expand air freight, increase rail freight, and activate logistics centers to support sustainable development.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The conference and its outcomes are closely aligned with Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Saudi economy and position the Kingdom as a leading global logistics hub. By strengthening supply chain resilience, attracting international investment, and fostering innovation, Saudi Arabia is solidifying its status as a critical link in international supply chains, contributing to long-term economic growth and sustainable development.
20 Questions
Q1. Who inaugurated the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference 2024?
A1. Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the conference on December 15, 2024, in Riyadh.
Q2. Where was the conference held?
A2. The conference took place at the Hilton Granada Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Q3. What was the focus of the conference?
A3. The conference focused on enhancing supply chain and logistics performance, fostering innovation, and attracting investments in Saudi Arabia.
Q4. How many shipping lines were added to Saudi ports in 2024?
A4. Saudi ports added 30 new shipping lines since the start of 2024.
Q5. What index showed a gain of 231.7 points for Saudi ports?
A5. The maritime network connectivity index published by UNCTAD showed a gain of 231.7 points.
Q6. Who attended the ministerial panel discussion?
A6. The panel included Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef.
Q7. How many agreements were signed on the first day of the conference?
A7. A total of 86 agreements aimed at enhancing supply chain performance were signed.
Q8. How many logistics zones have been established in Saudi ports?
A8. Eighteen logistics zones have been established in ports, with investments exceeding SAR 10 billion.
Q9. What is the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative?
A9. It is an initiative launched by HRH the Crown Prince to strengthen global supply chains and attract investments to Saudi Arabia.
Q10. How many keynote lectures were delivered at the conference?
A10. The event featured 12 keynote lectures from industry leaders and experts.
Q11. How many companies exhibited at the conference?
A11. Sixty-five international and local companies participated in the exhibition.
Q12. What was highlighted in the innovation corner?
A12. The innovation corner showcased a solar-powered vehicle and unified platforms for e-commerce and retailers.
Q13. What is the Master Plan for Logistics Centers?
A13. It is a strategic plan launched by HRH the Crown Prince to develop logistics centers across the Kingdom, boosting efficiency.
Q14. How does the conference support Vision 2030?
A14. It aligns with Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, improving logistics infrastructure, and attracting foreign investment.
Q15. Who is Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser?
A15. He is the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia, overseeing the logistics and transport sectors.
Q16. What was the title of the ministerial panel?
A16. The panel was titled “The Role of Logistics Prosperity in Enhancing the Supply Chain Sector in the Kingdom and Achieving Global Competitiveness.”
Q17. How many workshops were conducted at the conference?
A17. Eight specialized workshops were held to provide hands-on learning and industry insights.
Q18. What sectors are benefiting from Saudi logistics investments?
A18. Sectors including e-commerce, manufacturing, retail, and transportation benefit from enhanced logistics capabilities.
Q19. What is the goal of the entrepreneurship corner?
A19. The entrepreneurship corner aimed to support startups and small businesses in the logistics and supply chain field.
Q20. How does Saudi Arabia aim to improve global trade?
A20. By enhancing maritime routes, expanding air freight, and activating logistics centers, Saudi Arabia strengthens its role as a global trade hub.
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