Under the auspices of the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, the events of the Supply Chains and Logistics Conference will be launched on December 15-16, 2024 at Hilton Riyadh under the title “Building a Logistic Legacy that anticipates the Future”, with the participation of an elite of experts and decision-makers in supply chains and logistic services, representing global and local organizations, and chairmen of boards, societies and institutions in promising sectors.
This year’s conference represents a strategic platform for cooperation between leading companies and institutions in the logistics sector, as new partnerships have contributed to achieving a qualitative leap and unleashing innovation. These efforts aim to accelerate the digital transformation in supply chains, by adopting advanced technical solutions that contribute to enhancing operational efficiency and driving sustainable economic growth.
The Higher Committee for the Conference Organization Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Sehly
confirmed that the anticipated event will witness strategic partnerships that open the horizon of joint cooperation and concerted efforts, as these partnerships will enable the provision of commercial opportunities locally and globally, and provide innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency of supply chains and support digital transformation by introducing best practices and modern studies. These steps also pave the way for a more prosperous and competitive future in this vital sector, and open the way for promising opportunities that contribute to achieving the Kingdom’s economic and developmental goals within the framework of 2030Vision.
“The Authority’s participation comes as part of its efforts to enhance strategic partnerships with companies and investors, and provide innovative solutions that contribute to enhancing efficiency and achieving sustainable economic growth,” said Omar Abdullah AL-Abduljabbar, CEO of the Hail Region Development Authority. He stated that Hail region focuses on enhancing the logistics sector thanks to its distinguished location, diverse terrain, and moderate climate, which makes it a strategic center for logistics services in the Kingdom. The region is also connected by an advanced road network of 16 kilometers per 100 people, compared to the national average of 6 kilometers, in addition to the proximity of its logistic facilities (the airport, the train and the industrial zone), which are located 35 kilometers apart.
Al-Abduljabbar added that reaching Hail takes only one day via land transport from the main ports and border crossings, which increases transportation efficiency and reduces costs. The region supports strategic sectors such as agriculture, as it hosts major companies such as Almarai and Nadec.
He said: “Studies indicate that local companies have grown by 2% annually over the past five years, with expectations of growth reaching 15% over the next nine years, with national policies supporting 2030Vision. Hail also represents an ideal destination for companies seeking logistical expansion in the Kingdom, which enhances its role as a major hub for achieving national economic ambitions.”
For his part, CEO of Maersk Saudi Arabia Co., Mohammed Shehab, stressed: “Our strategic partnership in the sixth edition of the Supply Chain Conference reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing logistics integration at the local and global levels, and supporting the partnership between the public and private sectors, which contributes to developing the logistics services system in the Kingdom in line with 2030Vision.
He added: “Through this partnership, we seek to highlight the latest innovative solutions and global trends in supply chain management, including the Maersk Logistics Zone in Jeddah Islamic Port, which represents Maersk’s largest investment in the global logistics sector.”
He pointed out that the region is an essential part of our strategy, as it has contributed significantly to strengthening the local economy. It is expected to attract additional investments in the fields of electric trucks, technology and smart systems. We also seek through it to contribute to building an integrated logistics infrastructure, which enhances the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics center.”
Dr. Fadi Al-Buhairan, CEO of Special Integrated Logistics Zone Company, said: “We are proud of the important achievements made by the company and the logistics sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a strategic sponsor of the Supply Chains and Logistic Services Conference, we see these partnerships as enhancing our role in supporting the achievement of the goals of Saudi 2030Vision.”
He added: “The integrated logistics zone provides an integrated system and services with added value to investors, by focusing on light industries, light assembly, logistics, storage and distribution. It also offers innovative incentives including a 50-year tax exemption, 0% corporate income tax, 100% foreign ownership and other incentives.”
For his part, Tariq Al-Qahtani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Earadat Transport Company, expressed the company’s aspiration to be a distinguished partner in the Supply Chains and Logistic Services Conference, and to contribute its long experience in transporting materials and goods.
Al-Qahtani added that since its establishment in 1992, Earadat Transport Company sought to be a major provider of transportation services for goods and materials in all regions and cities of the Kingdom, with a focus on providing reliable and efficient logistic solutions that meet the needs of the local market, noting that over the past two decades, the company has been able to build a strong reputation based on trust and reliability among its customers.
