JEDDAH: The Kingdom’s businesses now have access to an enhanced support system through the newly launched electronic guide by the Saudi Export Development Authority.

SEDA has introduced the first digital version of its Export Incentive Service, or Incentives, which provides a comprehensive overview of key benefits, application procedures, and eligibility criteria aimed at promoting exports.

The initiative is designed to help Saudi companies expand into global markets by offering nine distinct incentives that adhere to World Trade Organization regulations, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

This launch is part of SEDA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the export environment, raise awareness of export practices, develop human capital within the sector, and create new opportunities for Saudi exporters.

Additionally, the program seeks to address the challenges faced by exporters through collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders. By supporting these efforts, the program aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of diversifying sources of national income.

The guide caters to the specific needs of exporters, covering a wide range of activities, including e-commerce platform registration, product certification, participation in international trade shows, marketing, advertising, product registration, and facilitating visits to potential buyers. It also offers legal consultations and specialized training.

A notable feature of the program is its cost-sharing component. The initiative compensates companies for a portion of the costs associated with entering new markets, offering reimbursement ranging from 50 percent to 75 percent, depending on specific terms and conditions.

In the third quarter of 2024, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports reached SR79.48 billion ($21.17 billion), marking an impressive 16.76 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Notably, the Kingdom’s exports to the UAE amounted to SR19.58 billion, followed by India at SR6.78 billion and China at SR6.48 billion.

Chemical products led the Kingdom’s non-oil exports, representing 25.5 percent of total shipments, with a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase. Plastic and rubber products followed, accounting for 24.9 percent of exports, reflecting an 8.9 percent growth compared to the previous year.

In addition to the export incentives program, SEDA recently introduced another initiative exempting industrial inputs from customs duties.

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, this service provides industrial companies with customs duty exemptions on inputs used to produce export goods. This move aligns with Vision 2030’s broader goal of diversifying the economy and increasing non-oil exports.

The service covers industrial inputs, such as raw materials, labor, fuel, equipment, and buildings, enabling Saudi manufacturers to reduce costs associated with production for export. By improving cost efficiency, the initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Saudi industries.

Together, these programs are designed to diversify income sources, enhance non-oil exports, and promote sustainable growth, offering innovative solutions tailored to the needs of exporters while supporting the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s industrial sector.

RIYADH: The Cairo-Jeddah air route has been ranked as the second-busiest international flight corridor in 2024, with approximately 5.5 million available seats, according to a new report.

The analysis, conducted by global travel data provider the Official Airline Guide, revealed that airline capacity on this route has surged by 14 percent compared to 2023, and has increased by 62 percent compared to 2019.

This growth is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to enhance its aviation sector, which is a key part of its Vision 2030 strategy.

These efforts include strengthening the country’s airlines, logistics services, cargo infrastructure, and other support industries to boost tourism and make the Kingdom a global aviation hub.

The expansion also contributes to Saudi Arabia’s target of attracting 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

John Grant, chief analyst at OAG, attributed the rapid growth of the Cairo-Jeddah route to significant investments under Vision 2030, as well as longstanding ties between the two cities, which have historically seen high volumes of worker traffic and, more recently, increased business activity in consultancy and services.

He also noted that the easing of travel restrictions for entry into Saudi Arabia and the rise of low-cost carriers have contributed to the route’s growth.

The report also highlights a 19.1 percent capacity gap between the second and first-place routes. Hong Kong-Taipei holds the title of the world’s busiest international route in 2024, with 6.8 million available seats.

The Seoul Incheon-Tokyo Narita route ranks third with 5.4 million seats, just 58,818 seats behind Cairo-Jeddah, while Kuala Lumpur-Singapore Changi follows closely in fourth place with 5.4 million seats, only 28,293 behind third.

The Bangkok-Hong Kong route has made a significant leap into the Top 10 Busiest International Routes for 2024, ranking seventh with 4.2 million seats. This marks a 29 percent increase in capacity compared to 2023, although it still lags 13 percent behind the 2019 levels.

Asia dominates the top 10, with seven of the busiest routes located in the region. Other notable routes include New York JFK to London Heathrow and two Middle Eastern routes: Cairo-Jeddah and Dubai-Riyadh. The Jeddah-Riyadh route has also seen impressive growth, with capacity increasing by 10 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.

These trends highlight the growing demand for air travel in and out of the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which continues to make strides toward achieving its ambitious goals under Vision 2030.