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 underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to adopting cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and strengthening international partnerships to accelerate its industrial sector transformation.

Alkhorayef's itinerary included discussions with North Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley and tours of North Carolina State University’s Energy X Lab and Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics (CAMAL). A visit to the SAS Institute was also part of the agenda. These engagements reflect Saudi Arabia's focus on leveraging advanced technologies to modernize its industrial base.

The discussions at the SAS Institute centered on digital twins, advanced analytics, and machine learning. These technologies can simulate factory operations, optimize processes before implementation, and extend the lifecycle of industrial equipment. Such innovations are crucial for enhancing efficiency in manufacturing processes.

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

Saudi Arabia is guided by the National Industrial Strategy (NIS), aiming to position itself as a global hub for advanced manufacturing. The strategy focuses on three core objectives: localizing critical goods, building a competitive regional manufacturing base, and achieving global leadership in selected segments. Initiatives like AMPC, Future Factories Program, and Industrial Lighthouse Program support these goals.

The Kingdom's emphasis on advanced manufacturing aligns with its broader ambition under Saudi Vision 2030. This vision aims to diversify the economy by reducing reliance on hydrocarbons and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics and industrial hub. Investing in automation, data-driven systems, and next-generation technologies is key to this transformation.

Collaboration with U.S Institutions

The United States is a leader in advanced manufacturing, home to 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 best practices globally.

These collaborations help accelerate technology transfer and foster academic-industrial partnerships that support the National Industrial Strategy directly. The minister's visits aim to expand cooperation in technology transfer and attract high-quality industrial investments, enhancing Saudi Arabia's industrial capabilities.

Saudi Arabia's readiness to invest in automation and next-generation technologies enhances productivity rapidly. It supports localizing critical supply chains while creating high-value job opportunities for its young workforce. These initiatives align with environmental commitments by optimizing energy consumption, reducing waste, and advancing sustainable production practices.

The minister's efforts are intended to build a competitive, sustainable industrial economy in Saudi Arabia. By engaging with U.S institutions like SAS Institute, CAMAL, and Energy X Lab, the Kingdom seeks to enhance its industrial capabilities significantly.

With inputs from SPA