Minister Bandar Alkhorayef Leads Delegation On Official Visit To China For Industrial Cooperation

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef has embarked on an official visit to China, which will last until September 26. This visit aims to bolster economic ties between the two nations, focusing on industrial and mining cooperation. The minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation from the industry and mineral resources sector.

The delegation's agenda in Beijing includes significant meetings with Chinese officials. Discussions will be held with Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhi'ou, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhou Haibing, and Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng. These talks aim to enhance collaboration in industrial and mining sectors.

In addition to government meetings, the delegation will engage with leading Chinese companies such as ZGC Group, BOE Technology Group, TBEA, and Kyland Technology. These interactions are intended to explore potential partnerships and investments that align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The visit will continue in Shanghai, where the delegation will attend the Industrial Automation Show (Hannover Messe). This participation is part of Saudi Arabia's involvement in global industrial events. The Kingdom is also preparing to host the Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia (Hannover Messe 2025) in Riyadh this December.

While in Shanghai, the delegation plans to meet with leaders from major Chinese companies like Gotion Hi-tech, China Minmetals Corporation, and Ganfeng Lithium. These discussions aim to facilitate knowledge transfer and foster joint ventures within Saudi Arabia's expanding industrial landscape.

Chinese Investments in Saudi Arabia

Chinese firms are making significant investments across Saudi Arabia's industrial ecosystem. Notable projects include Wangkang Group's building materials facility in Yanbu Industrial City and Xinguang's LED lighting factory in Jubail Industrial City. These initiatives highlight China's commitment to establishing manufacturing operations within the Kingdom.

One of the largest investments comes from Pan Asia Industrial Co., which is committing approximately $4 billion for a complex capable of producing 2.5 million metric tons of pure terephthalic acid annually. This facility will also produce 200,000 tons each of engineering plastics and polyester fibers.

Strategic Positioning for Global Expansion

Saudi Arabia offers an ideal platform for Chinese companies seeking global expansion due to its strategic location connecting three continents. The Kingdom boasts a young workforce and a supportive regulatory environment that aligns with China's growing economic engagement throughout the Middle East.

The minister will also participate in a mining sector workshop organized with the China Mining Association. This event aims to highlight opportunities in critical minerals within Saudi Arabia's burgeoning mining sector.

With inputs from SPA