MAKKAH, 26 March 2004 — Economists expect that investment in the transportation industry will rise to SR9 billion now that the Haj Ministry council has agreed to free up the sector.

The Haj Ministry council will reduce the minimum number of buses that a transportation company could register in the transportation union, while Umrah and Haj institutions will be able to choose an appropriate carrier, according to their needs and budget.

Deputy Minister of Haj Hatim Ghadi believes that this decision will create 16,000 job opportunities for Saudis.

Manager of Southeast Asia pilgrim institution Adnan Kateb said that freeing up the transportation sector would only increase competition between companies to provide a better and more comfortable service for pilgrims.

The industry will be open for Haj institutions abroad to choose a transportation company based on their financial ability.

Sources close to Madinah expect that more than ten new companies will enter the market and join the transportation union with 300 new busses.