Agility, a leading global logistics provider, on Saturday announced the opening of a new 900,000 square meter logistics park in Riyadh, part of a series of investments in the country valued at SR1 billion. The new facility, inaugurated on October 17, was developed by Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) and includes 250,000 sqm of built-up, high standard warehousing and logistics facilities. The Riyadh ALP will serve leading multinationals as well as small and medium-sized businesses operating in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Nabil Alamoudi, Saudi Arabia Minister of Transportation, said: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has focused on developing the logistics sector by building infrastructure and directing capital investments towards increasing logistics capabilities. Saudi Arabia is also enhancing and simplifying import and export procedures and easing restrictions, to facilitate and open investment opportunities in the country. The Logistics Committee and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program are working towards achieving the goals set out in the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and are proud to partner with the private sector to accomplish this." The development of the new Riyadh ALP is consistent with Saudi Arabia's intent to become a regional and global logistics hub. Among the goals outlined as part of the country's Vision 2030, the Saudi government seeks to diversify the economy, grow the private sector, create new jobs, improve its competitiveness, become a logistics leader, increase non-oil exports, and draw foreign investment. Henadi Al-Saleh, Chairperson, Agility, said: "Agility is committed to building infrastructure that will strengthen the business environment for both multinationals and small and medium-sized businesses in the Kingdom. Our investments, valued at SR1 billion, are aimed at driving the development of logistics facilities across Saudi Arabia. The Agility Logistics Park in Riyadh represents our commitment to supporting the Kingdom's 2030 vision to become a regional and global logistics hub." Across the GCC, and in Saudi Arabia, Agility also invests in technology to transform the logistics industry. Agility is an investor in Homoola, a digital load-matching service that is based in Saudi Arabia and uses technology to improve road freight efficiency by connecting shippers and trucking companies. In addition, Agility's digital logistics arm – Shipa - also operates in the Kingdom, providing last-mile delivery services as well as access to the world's most comprehensive online freight forwarding platform. In the 2019 Agility's Emerging Markets Logistics Index, Saudi Arabia ranked sixth globally, and fifth for business fundamentals, among the world's 50 leading emerging markets, indicative of the country's notable improvement in its business environment. — SG
