Saudi Ports Authority has launched the AlKhomra Logistics Zone in Jeddah, which is the largest of its kind in the Kingdom, for investment to the private sector, it has been announced.
The logistics zone, which will be built in phases, comes as part of the government’s plans to turn the Kingdom into a hub in the trade exchange movement, especially between the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.
The AlKhomra zone will support activities around shipping, freight distribution and transport of goods. It extends over 2.3 million sqm in Jeddah, which is home to one of the Kingdom’s largest ports. Phase One of the project will come up over a 2 million sqm area.
Announcing the project, Dr Nabeel bin Mohamed Al Amudi, Minister of Transport, said: “AlKhomra is an umbrella for a number of logistics zones and platforms to be launched in the coming period through a prepared comprehensive strategy and plan.”
He added that the project will have a significant impact on supply chains and logistics sector in the Kingdom. The minister made the announcement during his speech on the opening day of the Third Saudi Logistics Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh.
As the largest logistics zone in the country, the AlKhorma Logistics Zone aims to turn Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub and create 10,000 direct jobs, Al Amudi added.
The project is part of the broader National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme, which aims to create 1.6 million jobs and attract investments worth $427 billion over the course of the next decade, he said.
Al Amudi also pointed out that the Saudi government was keen on improving various sectors of business and production in the Kingdom, so as to enhance the national economy. Under its ambitious reform strategy, KSA plans to have the private sector operate much of its transport infrastructure, including airports and seaports, he said, adding that the governments role would be to act as a regulator.
