Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef Engages With U.S. Leaders On Advanced Manufacturing Collaboration

During an official four-day visit to the United States, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef dedicated a day to exploring North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park (RTP). He met with industry experts and visited advanced research facilities. This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to adopting advanced manufacturing technologies and strengthening international partnerships to accelerate its ambitious industrial sector transformation.

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing its National Industrial Strategy (NIS) to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing. The strategy focuses on three main objectives: localizing critical goods and services, building a competitive regional manufacturing base, and achieving global leadership in selected industrial segments. To support these goals, the ministry has launched initiatives like the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center (AMPC) and the Future Factories Program.

The minister's visit included discussions at the SAS Institute about digital twins, advanced analytics, and machine learning. These technologies can simulate factory operations, optimize processes before implementation, and extend equipment lifecycles. Such innovations are crucial for Saudi Arabia's efforts to modernize its industrial base by integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.

Alkhorayef also explored collaboration opportunities on 3D-printing materials and hybrid manufacturing solutions at RTP. These technologies can be applied to Saudi Arabia’s own Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center (AMPC). The visit highlighted CAMAL’s expertise in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through additive manufacturing research.

The United States is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, hosting some of the world's most innovative companies and research institutions. American expertise in areas like additive manufacturing, quantum research, industrial software, and automation offers valuable collaboration opportunities for Saudi Arabia. Engaging with U.S institutions allows the Kingdom to benchmark global best practices and foster academic and industrial partnerships that support its National Industrial Strategy.

Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its economy under Saudi Vision 2030 by reducing reliance on hydrocarbons. The country seeks to position itself as a global logistics and industrial hub by investing in automation, data-driven systems, and next-generation technologies. These efforts are enhancing productivity, supporting supply chain localization, and creating high-value jobs for its young workforce.

Environmental Commitments

The integration of 4IR technologies aligns with Saudi Arabia's environmental commitments. By optimizing energy consumption, reducing waste, and advancing sustainable production practices, these initiatives contribute to the Kingdom's broader ambition of economic diversification while maintaining environmental responsibility.

The minister's visits aim to expand cooperation in technology transfer and attract high-quality industrial investments. These efforts are designed to enhance Saudi Arabia's industrial capabilities and build a competitive, sustainable industrial economy.

With inputs from SPA