Riyadh – Beijing | September 25, 2025 | BETH

42 Investment Agreements Worth $1.74 Billion

H.E. Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, witnessed the signing of 42 investment agreements between Saudi and Chinese companies, exceeding $1.74 billion, during the Saudi–Chinese Business Forum in Beijing.
The agreements covered advanced industries, smart vehicles, energy solutions, medical devices, equipment, and mineral resources.

Bilateral Trade Hits SAR 403 Billion

The Minister praised the role of the Saudi–Chinese Business Council since its establishment in 2006, noting that bilateral trade volume reached SAR 403 billion in 2024, more than doubling in less than a decade.
Saudi Arabia remains a key supplier of fuel, petrochemicals, and advanced materials to China, while China is the Kingdom’s largest source of electronics, machinery, transport equipment, and consumer goods.

Expanding Chinese Investments in the Kingdom

Chinese investments in Saudi Arabia grew by 30% in 2024, surpassing SAR 31 billion, particularly in mining, automotive, and petrochemicals.
Over 750 Chinese companies now operate in the Kingdom, with major projects in NEOM, Jubail Industrial City, and Jazan Economic City—aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Meanwhile, Saudi investment in China exceeded SAR 8 billion, alongside MoUs signed by the Public Investment Fund with Chinese financial institutions worth $50 billion.

Vision 2030 and Belt & Road: A Strategic Alignment

AlKhorayef highlighted the synergy between Saudi Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, both aiming to strengthen connectivity, expand trade, and build resilient industrial ecosystems.
He emphasized the role of the National Industrial Strategy in deepening value chains, increasing exports, and creating new supply corridors linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

12 Industrial Sectors in Focus

The Minister outlined 12 priority industrial sectors, including:

National security industries: food, pharmaceuticals, and defense.

Competitive advantage sectors: raw materials, oil, gas, and minerals.

Future industries: AI applications, Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing.

Mining Sector: A Global Leap

The Comprehensive Mining Strategy boosted Saudi Arabia’s global standing, with cooperation from the China Geological Survey raising estimated mineral wealth from $1.3 trillion to $2.5 trillion.
Regulatory reforms propelled the Kingdom from 104th to 23rd place globally in the Mining Investment Attractiveness Index.

Engagements and Workshops in Beijing

The Minister participated in a Saudi Mining Forum held with the China Mining Association, attended by over 20 Chinese mining firms.
The Ministry also organized a virtual seminar for French mining companies, showcasing investment opportunities in 162 new mining sites in Medina region, as part of a broader plan to open 50,000 sq. km of mineral belts to global investors.

Toward Broader Global Partnerships

H.E. AlKhorayef reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to attracting high-quality investments in industry and mining, leveraging a competitive business environment, strategic location, and exceptional enablers.
He invited participants to attend the 5th Future Minerals Forum, scheduled in Riyadh from January 13 to 15, 2026.

Saudi–Chinese Industrial Agreements at Hannover Messe

His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, witnessed the signing of three strategic agreements between the National Industrial Development Center and a number of Chinese companies: AVIC International, Lanshi Superalloy, and BMGK, to localize aviation technologies in the Kingdom, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The agreements were signed by the Center’s CEO, Eng. Saleh Al-Sulami.

Minister Al-Khorayef also visited the Saudi pavilion at the international industry exhibition “Hannover Messe” (CIIF) in Shanghai, where he reviewed the activities of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources ecosystem and the Ministry of Investment. The pavilion highlighted the competitive advantages of the Kingdom’s investment environment, promising opportunities in industry and mining, and cultural showcases that reflected Saudi heritage.

During his tour of the international pavilions, His Excellency explored the latest innovative industrial solutions and smart manufacturing technologies, including robotics, industrial software, and automation.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, Al-Khorayef held a bilateral meeting with the leaders of Virtual Mind Holding (VMH), a company specialized in robotics manufacturing and AI systems development, where they discussed ways to strengthen industrial cooperation, exchange expertise, and transfer advanced manufacturing technologies to the Kingdom.

This visit comes as part of the Minister’s official trip to the People’s Republic of China, aimed at expanding strategic cooperation between the two countries in industry and mining, and attracting high-value investments to the Kingdom.