RIYADH — The Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) announced on Thursday a tender to import 480,000 tons of wheat to be supplied during the period of March-April 2021 in order to increase the reserve stock until the private sector assumes the task of importing and selling barley. Governor of SAGO Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Fares stated that the amount specified in the tender is to delivered in 8 shipments — six ships with the amount of 360,000 tons for the ports in Jeddah and two ships with the amount of 120,000 tons for the ports in Dammam. The governor pointed out that through the (import) platform, the SAGO has completed the qualification procedures for 9 private sector companies specialized in the trade of barley and have stations that meet the technical requirements for barley importing and trading as well as feed factories. This is in addition to 5 companies that are currently in the process of completing the documents and qualification requirements. He added that all import applications submitted by qualified companies have been approved. The Cabinet had previously approved to assign the importing and selling barley to the private sector in line with the government"s direction toward increasing the private sector’s contribution to the economy and opening new areas for it to achieve the objectives of the Kingdom"s Vision 2030.