Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser emphasized the private sector’s pivotal role in the transport and logistics ecosystem, highlighting its expanding contributions. He noted that 80% of investment targets in the sector are expected to be met through various partnership models.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Ministerial Vision on Government Support and Private-Sector Empowerment” during the third Public Investment Fund (PIF) Private Sector Forum in Riyadh, Al-Jasser underscored the progress achieved since the launch of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) in mid-2021. He pointed to successful private-sector collaborations, including more than SAR 18 billion in maritime transport and port investments, where private companies account for the majority of funding. He also highlighted private involvement in aviation and airport infrastructure, including new airport construction projects.
Currently, four airports—Abha, Taif, Qassim, and Hail—are open for private investment, alongside major road projects such as the Jazan-Abha highway, Jeddah-Jazan expressway, the new Jeddah-Makkah road, and the completion of the Yanbu-Jubail highway, which connects the Kingdom’s east and west.
Al-Jasser noted that air transport grew by 26% in 2023, while the number of flight destinations increased by 15% in 2024, representing a 50% increase over pre-strategy levels. He also highlighted improvements in road quality, safety indicators, and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, he noted that localized passenger transport services facilitated around 80 million trips in 2024, with strong growth in various other areas driven by private-sector investments.
Reaffirming the strategic partnership with the private sector, Al-Jasser emphasized the high expectations for continued investment and service quality enhancements in the transport and logistics sector.
