The Minister of Commerce, Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, recently announced that total revenues from e-commerce in Saudi Arabia are expected to reach SR260 billion by 2025. He also stated that e-commerce accounted for 8 percent of total trade in the Kingdom in 2022. During a meeting with businessmen, businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and investors in Al-Baha, he highlighted the importance of the sector and the potential for growth. The minister mentioned that more than 50 million e-commerce shipments entered the Kingdom in 2023, with 190 million orders delivered via delivery applications in 2022. He also discussed the ministry’s efforts in reviewing and updating trade-related laws and regulations, including a new consumer protection law that is in its final stages.
Al-Qasabi emphasized the need for creativity, excellence, and success, urging the chamber of commerce and the people of Al-Baha to define a recipe for prosperity in the region. He commended the pioneering projects by the residents of Al-Baha and highlighted the region’s unique capabilities, including mountains, plains, valleys, and proximity to Makkah. With abundant resources in minerals, agriculture, and products like honey, mango, pomegranate, and bananas, Al-Baha offers various qualitative opportunities for businesses. The minister also noted the 8.5 percent increase in commercial registrations in Al-Baha over the last five years.
The opening of branch 19 of the Saudi Business Center in Al-Baha aims to provide government services and engineering procedures for the business sector in the region. Al-Qasabi announced the cancellation or modification of 622 conditions and requirements in 18 economic sectors, as well as the conversion of 455 licenses to immediate licenses to improve the business environment. He encouraged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the upcoming Biban 24 Forum, Saudi Arabia’s global SME and entrepreneurship event, to explore business opportunities and ideas.
The minister urged the Al-Baha Chamber of Commerce to leverage the region’s advantages and develop initiatives in tourism, festivals, minerals, therapeutic health, and other sectors. He emphasized the importance of investing in Al-Baha’s tourism identity, enhancing its service infrastructure, and attracting investments in hospitality services. Al-Qasabi also stressed the need to market events to raise awareness of Al-Baha’s potential and proposed hosting local and Arab sports clubs, scientific and agricultural events, and creating a special tourist season to attract visitors.
In collaboration with the Al-Makhwa Chamber of Commerce, Al-Qasabi recommended organizing workshops that bring together stakeholders to define the commercial and investment identity of the Al-Baha region. He encouraged thought leaders, businessmen, students, and others to participate in developing a vision that highlights the region’s competitive advantages. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Baha Chamber of Commerce, Muhammad Al-Muajbani, expressed appreciation for the minister’s visit and commitment to addressing challenges facing investors in the region. He highlighted the potential of Al-Baha as a promising destination with its tourism and agricultural assets.
