Samer Choucair: Jeddah Port Bonded Zones Redraw the Region”s Logistics Investment Map
Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair stated that the expansion of bonded storage and re export zones at Jeddah Islamic Port represents a strategic step to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for supply chains and global trade, noting that this new infrastructure raises the efficiency of goods movement and supports the attraction of long term institutional investment.
Choucair explained that the customs bonded zone model gives companies greater flexibility in managing inventory and cross border trade, by storing goods and re exporting them while deferring customs duties and value added tax until they enter the local market, which helps reduce working capital costs and improve cash flows for global companies.
He noted that the development of Jeddah Islamic Port comes as part of the broader transformation in the Kingdom's transport and logistics sector, benefiting from its strategic location on the Red Sea and its ability to connect Asian, European and African markets, strengthening Saudi Arabia's role as a trade hub serving three continents.
Samer Choucair added that investments in expanding container terminals and upgrading equipment and marine services raise the port's competitiveness and support the growth of related sectors such as advanced logistics services, cold chains, e commerce, and regional storage and distribution.
Choucair affirmed that institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure funds and private equity, view logistics assets as strategic investments offering relatively stable cash flows, in addition to their role in strengthening supply chain resilience amid global geopolitical shifts.
He explained that the participation of major national companies in developing the logistics ecosystem, including Bahri, the Saudi national shipping carrier, reflects a move toward building an integrated system combining maritime transport, logistics services and re export, supporting the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and increase the contribution of non oil sectors.
Choucair pointed out that the success of this model will depend on continued improvement in operational efficiency, stronger connectivity between ports, airports and land transport networks, and maintaining a flexible regulatory environment capable of attracting global companies seeking regional distribution hubs.
Samer Choucair concluded by affirming that investment in Saudi logistics infrastructure represents a long term opportunity for investors seeking exposure to sectors tied to global trade growth, explaining that the Kingdom's ability to convert its geographic location into a sustainable economic advantage will determine the scale of future capital flows into this vital sector.