Saudi Arabia launches initiatives to boost joint logistics across GCC

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser unveiled a package of initiatives for the transport and logistics system, during an extraordinary meeting of GCC transport ministers, held virtually today.

The initiatives aim to strengthen logistics integration between Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries, support the continuity of supply chains, enhance their resilience, and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub.

The announced initiatives include extending the permitted operational lifespan of trucks in Saudi Arabia to 22 years, including trucks arriving from GCC countries, and allowing empty trucks transporting goods and refrigerated materials from all GCC countries to enter Saudi Arabia, so they can carry goods destined for GCC markets.

Moreover, the GCC storage and redistribution zones initiative was also launched, which aim to organize container movement and allocate operational zones for each GCC state within King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. This is intended to improve storage efficiency, redistribution, and supply chain flexibility between the eastern and western coasts.

The initiatives also include exempting GCC imports and exports from storage fees for up to 60 days.