From October 12 to 14, 2024, the GLA Global Logistics Alliance participated in the Global Logistics Forum, hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District. The forum, themed “Reshaping the Global Map of Logistics,” attracted 130 speakers and 80 exhibitors from 30 countries. The event aimed to foster international cooperation and transform global trade and supply chains. Ms. Grace Sun, President of GLA, was a featured guest speaker, where she emphasized her commitment to connecting and advocating for women's leadership and diversity within the logistics industry.

The Global Logistics Forum significantly advanced international collaboration and redefined the global logistics landscape. It provided a dedicated platform for uniting partners from across the logistics ecosystem to enhance efficiency, resilience, sustainability, and profitability in an increasingly interconnected world. Over 10,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, industry leaders, experts, and innovators, attended the forum. More than 40 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, promoting global connectivity and ensuring the resilience and efficiency of logistics networks.

H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, noted, "The logistics industry is experiencing significant growth, and it is crucial for the public and private sectors to collaborate further to ensure sustainable development in the coming years and decades." He highlighted the National Transport and Logistics Strategy launched by H.R.H. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is set to invest more than SAR 1 trillion by 2030, with SAR 200 billion already deployed.

The minister further announced that Saudi Arabia plans to establish a special Saudi-China Economic Zone at King Salman International Airport. Spanning 4 square kilometers, the zone will focus on manufacturing, logistics, and trade industries, enhancing Saudi-Chinese economic and trade cooperation. Through these developments, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector has long been a crucial part of global trade. According to the minister, the country is once again taking the lead in cutting-edge infrastructure projects, such as King Salman International Airport and the rapidly expanding logistics network. These projects are vital to achieving Vision 2030, with investments set to exceed 1 trillion riyals by 2050. Strategic cooperation between the public and private sectors is making Saudi Arabia a center of innovation across industries, reinforcing its status as a global logistics powerhouse.

The forum also featured a range of panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions aimed at promoting international cooperation and sustainable logistics solutions. Key topics explored in these sessions included sustainability, global trade resilience, data innovation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies in logistics.

As a VIP guest speaker, Ms. Grace Sun participated in a panel discussion titled "Leveraging Diversity: Women’s Leadership in Logistics." She emphasized that diversity is crucial for driving innovation and progress within the industry and highlighted the importance of increasing women’s participation across various sectors, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

During her visit to the forum, GLA President Grace Sun was invited to tour key logistics facilities, including Cargo Village, SAL Saudi Logistics Services, and SATS Ltd. warehouses. These efforts aim to foster further exchanges and cooperation in upgrading airport infrastructure, such as fuel supply systems, ground equipment, and increasing cold chain storage areas to meet rising cargo demands.

Saudi Arabia's achievements in logistics were prominently showcased at the forum, including its rise of 17 places in the Logistics Performance Index. This improvement reflects the nation's dedication to the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The Logistics Hub Master Plan unveiled during the forum, aims to transform over 100 million square meters of infrastructure, diversifying the economy and establishing Saudi Arabia as a leading global logistics hub.

Several major cooperation agreements were established during the forum, including:

• A memorandum of understanding between the Saudi General Transport Authority (TGA) and the Egyptian Ministry of Transport (MOT) on maritime transport cooperation.

• An agreement between King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIA) and EW Partners to invest in constructing the Saudi-China Logistics Economic Zone (KSA-SINO Logistics Zone).

• A cooperation agreement between the Mediterranean Shipping Company and King Abdullah Port for building a temperature-controlled warehouse.

• Agreements between Matarat Holding and the Saudi Ministry of Transport to provide placements for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.

Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector continues to rise on the global stage, climbing 17 places in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index and 14 places in the International Air Transport Association's Global Connectivity Index. These achievements underscore the nation's growing influence in the logistics industry.

Through deepening collaboration, global logistics companies are better equipped to respond to the complex international trade environment, enhance competitiveness, and drive continuous improvement in industry standards. The Saudi-China Special Economic Zone is expected to serve as a vital platform for cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries, and China in economics, trade, and technology.

GLA envisions creating a better world for global logistics by fostering a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, resource-sharing, and market expansion opportunities. This year, GLA will host the 11th Global Logistics Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 22 to 25, 2024. The event will feature representatives from over 130 countries, more than 200 professional booths, over 2,000 participating companies, and plans for over 100,000 one-on-one meetings.

GLA expresses its gratitude to the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services for hosting the Global Logistics Forum and for inviting GLA to participate in this event. GLA is honored to continue building partnerships with global companies, contributing to innovation, and driving the sustainable development of global logistics and supply chains.