Saudi Arabia and Qatar are seeking to make cross-border commerce more efficient by implementing improved practical initiatives. These include simplifying customs procedures, improving logistics services and addressing measures that could support further growth in bilateral trade.
Saudi Arabia Hosts High Level Qatar Ministry Officials
Officials from both countries met recently to review opportunities for strengthening ongoing cooperation across trade and logistics. The meeting brought together the Saudi Arabia General Authority for Foreign Trade and the Saudi Ministry for Logistics Services. Qatar was represented by the Ministry of Foreign Trade Affairs, its General Authority of Customs and the Ministry of Transport. Discussions included economic diversification, improving regional connectivity and private sector strengthening aligning Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar Chamber reported bilateral commerce increased 65% in 2024, reaching QAR 4.9 billion (USD 1.34 billion) on a yearly comparison. It also highlighted the role of the Saudi-Qatari Joint Business Council in connecting businesses and supporting commercial cooperation. Opportunities were identified in transportation, logistics, supply chains, energy, industry, real estate, contracting, digital transformation, renewable energy and entrepreneurship.
Maritime Collaboration Significantly Increases Following Agreement
Maritime cooperation has significantly increased following Saudi Ports Authority and Mwani Qatar signing an agreement covering eight distinct areas. The initiative aims to improve port operations, increase logistics efficiency and support regional and international trade flows. It includes studying joint direct maritime and land connections and potential regional distribution centres. Digital cooperation under the memorandum covers smart systems, data governance and a unified maritime single-window platform. In addition, the Saudi Arabia Qatar Joint Business Council discussed increasing the private sectors role including smoother procedures alongside government-level coordination. Initiatives include facilitating trade exchanges, simplifying the establishment of companies and improving conditions for mutual investment.
Moreover, longer-term transportation infrastructure projects would further support the movement of passengers, goods and services between both countries. The planned high-speed electric railway will connect Doha and Riyadh while connecting Hamad International Airport with King Salman International Airport.
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