A SAUDI Royal Commission in Jubail and Yanbu signed an agreement to invest and operate Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI) Port, according to a joint press release.

"With the support of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the southern Red Sea JCPDI Port near the Yemeni border was established to provide modern logistics services in the region to enhance the Kingdom's presence in this field and support the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aspires the Kingdom to become a global logistics platform," said Royal Commission chairman Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Saadan.

Today, we are signing an investment and operation agreement with Hong Kong's Hutchison Ports, one of the world's leading port operators. We are seeking to provide the best services and to ensure the highest levels of quality and efficiency," said Mr Al Saadan.

Hutchison Ports group managing director Eric lp declared the ports presence in Saudi Arabia and how it's a vital market for the ports.

"We have a presence of 20 years in Saudi Arabia, and it is a very important market for Hutchison Ports. Marking a new chapter for us, JCPDI Port is located at the crossroads of one of the busiest east-west trade lanes and the rapidly growing north-south trade lanes. We look forward to working closely with the Royal Commission to help JCPDI reach its full potential and contribute to the Saudi Vision 2030," said Mr Eric Ip.

The port will benefit from the latest port technologies and best industrial practices as it's located on China's Belt and Road initiative and is the Kingdom's closest port to East Asia.