New transport, logistics strategy to diversify economy, boost Saudi competitiveness: minister

Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services

Saudi Arabia’s newly launched strategy for transport and logistics services will help diversify the Kingdom’s economy, boost the local content by 33% of the sector’s expenditure and enhance sustainable development, Saudi Press Agency reported, citing Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services.

Logistics services represent a key driver for the non-oil industries in a way that will reflect positively on the Kingdom's sustainable economic development, he added.

The strategy will help implement a number of qualitative projects, which will enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness regionally and globally, in line with Vision 2030.

It also aims to launch a national carrier to help other sectors, such as Hajj, Umrah and tourism, realize their national objectives; and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global logistic hub that links three continents. The strategy also aims to improve the transport services and enhance the integration of the logistics services system and modern means of transport to support the Kingdom’s development.

The new strategy will address key areas, namely, improving public entities performance, reducing the number of deaths resulting from road accidents by 52%, reducing energy consumption by 25% and increasing the public sector’s share in cities to over 15%.

The strategy will also bolster the integration of the logistic areas in the Kingdom, as well as expand connectivity with international shipping lines, and integrate with rail and road networks.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched on, June 29, the national strategy for transport and logistics services, Argaam reported.

Earlier, the Cabinet approved changing the name of the Ministry of Transport to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services.