On October 15, 2024, the GLA Global Logistics Alliance hosted the GLA Middle East Logistics Forum 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This significant event aimed to enhance cooperation and communication in the fields of trade and logistics, both in the Middle East and globally, while also extending discussions on international brands expanding into overseas markets.

The forum attracted over 200 representatives from more than 20 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Pakistan, India, and China. Notable guests included Ms. Grace Sun, founder of the GLA Global Logistics Alliance; Mr. Alyazid Damanhouri, Global Chairman of GES Logistics and Managing Director of GCC; Mr. Ibrahim AL Hmoud, CEO of Elite Freight Forwarding; Mr. Nasim Ahmed, Vice President of Operations at Elite Freight Forwarding; Ms. Nadia Abdul Aziz, President of the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL); Mr. Esmaeil Mohamed Hassan Morad, CEO of Fujairah International Airport; Mr. Eng. Sultan Al-Jeaid, Strategic Project Management and Logistics Expert; Mr. Harris Ali, CFO of GES Logistics GCC; Ms. Isabella Yin, Managing Director of Aim Congress China Office; Dr. AML Hashem, CEO and General Manager of Golden Wide Logistics; Mr. Shefin, CEO of Hawia Shipping Services LLC; Mr. Khaled Abdallah, CEO of Egypt Techno Freight; Mr. S. Muzaffar Hussain, General Manager of Rabel International Cargo; and Mr. Zain Ullah, CEO of Skyline Express Shipping L.L.C.

The forum focused on the role of the Middle East in the global value chain, discussing how to leverage its unique strategic position to become an international hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. By establishing extensive cooperation networks, Middle Eastern countries can better integrate into the global economy and serve as gateways for world trade.

During the event, Ms. Grace Sun, President of the GLA Global Logistics Alliance, warmly welcomed all guests and expressed her sincere gratitude for their presence. In her speech, she highlighted Saudi Arabia's vigorous efforts to develop its regional economy and strengthen cooperation with China.

Ms. Grace Sun underscored the significance of aligning logistics and trade initiatives with Saudi Vision 2030. She emphasized that integrating efforts in infrastructure development, technological innovation, and capacity building is essential for achieving shared objectives in advancing international logistics and strengthening trade relations.

Ms. Grace Sun also noted the immense potential for collaboration in the logistics sector, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pivotal hub in global supply chains. She expressed her optimism about the future, wishing Saudi Arabia great success in realizing its vision of becoming a global logistics powerhouse. This partnership not only promises mutual growth but also serves as a model for international cooperation in an ever-evolving economic landscape.

The GLA Middle East Logistics Forum 2024 recognized the tremendous potential and rich opportunities in the Middle East, establishing partnerships with more regional enterprises to continuously expand the international logistics landscape. The GLA is committed to promoting a secure, trustworthy, and collaborative atmosphere among global logistics companies, sharing best practices and success stories to enhance the competitiveness of global enterprises in international markets.

In his speech, Mr. Alyazid Damanhouri, Global Chairman of GES Logistics and Managing Director of GCC emphasized Saudi Arabia's significant role in the world market, noting that the government encourages large enterprises to expand overseas and secure a position in international markets while increasing the variety of digital services. Its leading investment capabilities and unique strategic position will improve the current business environment and achieve long-term comprehensive economic prosperity.

Mr. Ibrahim AL Hmoud, CEO of Elite Freight Forwarding shared the importance of logistics networks for the development of the international logistics industry, pointing out that a robust logistics network can optimize supply chains and enable companies to respond quickly to customer demands in a rapidly changing market environment. Advances in technology, especially the application of artificial intelligence are transforming the logistics industry. By building flexible and efficient logistics structures, companies can better respond to global market challenges and seize more business opportunities.

The forum also facilitated panel discussions on "The Role of Free Trade Zone Policies in Middle Eastern Logistics Development" and "Logistics Sustainability: Adapting to New Regulations." The panelists shared their insights, emphasizing that strengthening multinational cooperation and regional integration allows enterprises to better integrate resources and enhance operational efficiency.

Mr. Malik, Director of Business Development and Marketing at GLA Global Logistics Alliance, emphasized at the forum that the GLA has established a large and trustworthy logistics network covering over 170 countries and 706 ports globally. GLA members can maximize operational efficiency, expand market coverage, and explore new growth opportunities in the Middle East and worldwide. He expressed hope that international logistics companies can achieve robust development of international trade logistics through the GLA platform.

The GLA Middle East Logistics Forum was sponsored by esteemed companies including Speed Line Logistics from Yemen, GES Logistics, And Elite Freight Forwarding from Saudi Arabia. Their support was instrumental in advancing discussions on innovative logistics solutions fostering international collaboration, and strengthening the logistics landscape in the region.

The GLA has a vision to "create a better world for global logistics" and believes that by establishing international networks, the vast potential of the Middle Eastern logistics market can be fully tapped, promoting diversified and efficient economic growth and driving the prosperity of regional and global trade.

In an era of global economic integration, connectivity and communication in the logistics industry are particularly crucial. As the organizer of this forum, the GLA serves as a bridge for global logistics enterprises, committed to promoting collaborative development and the digital transformation of the industry across countries. With the support of Saudi Vision 2030 and government policies, the GLA seeks to deeply explore logistics opportunities in Saudi Arabia and worldwide.

Currently, the GLA has over 7,000 member enterprises specializing in innovative logistics services, spread across more than 170 countries and covering 706 ports. It is dedicated to promoting collaborative development among small and medium-sized international logistics enterprises, empowering each other, building a globally trusted and collaborative international supply chain system, and creating a better logistics world. As a leading global logistics network platform, the GLA aims to partner with global logistics enterprises to build collaborative development in international logistics and reach new heights.

Additionally, the GLA has a legacy of hosting successful global logistics conferences, and this year, it is all set forthe 11th GLA Global Logistics Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 22 to 25, 2024. This conference focuses on the future path of cutting-edge logistics technology, providing a comprehensive experience of world-leading smart logistics solutions. With representatives from over 130 countries, more than 200 professional booths, over 2,000 participating enterprises, and over 100,000 one-on-one meetings planned, the GLA continues to explore new potentials, establish new standards, and seek new boundaries with each conference.

GLA’s vision and commitment to enhancing global logistics are evident in its strategic initiatives and growing footprint in the Middle East. By fostering strong partnerships and promoting innovative practices, the GLA is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of logistics in the region. Its dedication to creating a collaborative and sustainable logistics environment not only benefits its members but also significantly contributes to the overall economic development of the global economy.