Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman launched a Master Plan for Logistics Centers (MPLC) to develop the country’s logistics sector, diversify the economy, and promote the kingdom as a destination for investors and as a “global logistical hub,” reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Bin Salman notes that the initiative is part of the country’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to bolster local and international trade links and supply chains, boost partnerships with the private sector, generate jobs, and take advantage of KSA’s geographic location, SPA wrote.

What we know so far: MPLC outlines 59 logistical centers distributed throughout the kingdom spanning a total of 100 mn sqm, according to SPA. Twelve centers will be based in the Riyadh region, 12 in the Mecca region, 17 in the Eastern Region, and the remaining 18 are to be dispersed across KSA. Construction on 21 centers is currently underway, with work at all 59 hubs slated for completion by 2030, Saudi’s official press agency wrote.

Financials and other tidbits: Investments associated with the program are estimated at USD 400 mn, Kuwait’s daily Alanba revealed. SPA did not disclose details regarding the expected finances. The program will also be a boon to KSA’s labor market, creating 1.5k jobs, Alanba adds.

Promotion of KSA’s exports is among the program’s stated goals: MPLC will enable KSA’s industries to process their exports “with high efficiency,” SPA writes, highlighting the program’s role as a driver for the Kingdom’s non-oil exports. The initiative looks to leverage e-commerce solutions to establish links between logistics centers and distributors throughout KSA while providing high levels of traceability. A streamlined licensing procedure — which sees 1.5k licenses issued to local and international logistics firms — as well as e-customs procedures are also components of MPLC.

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