ZONES-

Alfardan Automotive debuts QFZ logistics hub: Qatari automotive importer Alfardan Automotive has launched a specialized automotive logistics hub in Qatar Freezones Authority’s (QFZ) Umm Alhoul Freezone — located near Hamad Port, according to a statement. The investment ticket for the facility was not disclosed.

What’s in store? The new facility, which spans over an area of 67k sqm, will focus on automotive and spare parts logistics, servicing passenger vehicles, heavy equipment, and related components. The hub boasts a total capacity of 1.5k units — offering both indoor and outdoor vehicle storage.

There’s more: The facility includes a pre-delivery inspection center to streamline custom services — made up of 24 work bays for the inspection, quality check, and installation of vehicles. Alfardan has also set up a commercial warehouse for tires, batteries, lubricants, and paints in the hub.

Lots of action from QFZ: The authority has inaugurated a slew of projects across its zones this year, including a new 1.2k sqm logistics facility for DHL Global Forwarding, another 1.2k sqm facility for FedEx, and a storage facility for Bin Youssef Cargo, all in Ras Bufontas Freezone. Qatar Airways is also working on a a maintenance, repair, and overhaul complex in Ras Bufontas.

CARGO-

SAL secures another ground handling contract: SAL Saudi Logistics Services has inked a yearly-renewable agreement with China Cargo Airlines — a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines — to offer a comprehensive suite of advanced ground-handling solutions, according to a Tadawul disclosure. Under the agreement, the Saudi firm will provide various services, including cargo ground handling, aircraft loading and offloading, and other ramp operations for routes operated by the Chinese airlines. The partnership has no set ticket — services are paid for on an on-demand basis and in tandem with the prices specified in the agreement.

ICYMI- SAL has recently renewed its partnership agreement with Emirates SkyCargo to provide integrated ground handling and air cargo solutions in Saudi airports. It also extended its collaboration with the Tadawul-listed Saudi Ground Services to provide ramp and cargo aircraft prep services.

TRADE-

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan agreed to launch an economic cooperation framework to boost trade and investment, state news agency SPA reports. The initiative spans energy, industry, mining, IT, tourism, agriculture, and food security and includes planned MoUs on energy collaboration and an electrical interconnection project. The agreement followed a meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh.

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