Riyadh: Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser announced a package of initiatives on Thursday to enhance joint logistics operations among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and strengthen supply chain resilience. The initiatives were unveiled during an extraordinary virtual meeting of GCC transport ministers. They aim to enhance logistics integration between Saudi Arabia and GCC states, support supply chain continuity, and reinforce the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub. The measures include extending the operational lifespan of trucks in Saudi Arabia to 22 years, including those from GCC countries. They also allow trucks from GCC states to enter empty to carry outbound goods, including refrigerated cargo. According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Jasser also announced a GCC storage and redistribution zones initiative at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. The initiative regulates container movement and allocates zones for each GCC country, enhancing storage efficiency and supply c hain flexibility between the eastern and western coasts. The measures also include exemptions from storage fees for up to 60 days for GCC imports and exports. In his remarks, Al-Jasser said the meeting comes amid regional challenges requiring closer coordination and deeper integration in transport and logistics. He added that these efforts will strengthen the sector, support regional economies, and enhance joint GCC cooperation. He highlighted the Kingdom's support for logistics initiatives and emphasized that these measures are part of a broader vision to create a connected logistics platform capable of adapting to global developments. Saudi Arabia has also introduced additional measures to support the logistics sector. These include new operational corridors for cargo redirected from eastern Saudi Arabia ports and GCC ports to Jeddah Islamic Port and other Red Sea ports to maintain trade flows. Saudi airports have accommodated GCC carriers' flights to ensure smooth air traffic and passenger safety. The Kin gdom also granted a temporary 30-day exemption for vessels in GCC waters from certain certification requirements to maintain maritime operations. Authorities facilitated the evacuation of over 25,000 passengers via more than 900 buses through land borders and operated over 300 flights for GCC carriers through Saudi airports. Integrated land-air transport solutions were also activated to support cargo movement. Additional steps included adding four shipping lines at Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port, and launching a maritime route linking Sharjah Port with Dammam and Umm Qasr with Bahrain. The Kingdom's land transport fleet of over 500,000 trucks expanded services to meet regional demand. Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) also launched a new international logistics corridor via freight trains linking GCC ports to Al Hadithah Port to enhance cargo movement and supply chain efficiency.