Saudi-Russian trade exchange hits SAR 3.5B, huge opportunities ahead: Alkhorayef

In an interview with Argaam on the sidelines of Saudi Arabia's participation as a partner country at the INNOPROM International Industrial Exhibition held in Russia, Alkhorayef explained that Russian companies have shown growing interest in the Saudi market. He noted that the Kingdom also seeks to attract companies that possess technologies in metal processing, military industries, industrial equipment, and other fields.

The Kingdom eyes expanding various sectors, including the iron industry, he added, noting that Saudi Arabia has launched a dedicated strategy to develop the sector, and Russia is considered a qualified country to export iron to the domestic market.

In addition, the Kingdom aims to develop the titanium industry, given its strategic importance both locally and globally.

The launch of the National Industrial Strategy and the Mining Strategy has created significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, especially in light of global challenges that have affected supply chains. These challenges have made Saudi Arabia an attractive hub for investments, the Minister continued.

Alkhorayef also pointed out that Russian investments in the Kingdom's industrial sector are still modest. This is because Russia and other countries had not previously seen Saudi Arabia as a hub to expand into other markets; instead, their investments were concentrated on meeting domestic demand.

However, this view has now changed amid rising domestic demand, huge government projects, and localization and local content initiatives. The objective is to transform the Kingdom a global hub for logistics, exporting, and manufacturing, attracting major firms to establish global expansion capabilities, he stated.

Alkhorayef also clarified that the Saudi Industrial Strategy includes over 800 projects worth more than SAR 1 trillion, stressing the strong growth in the industrial sector.

“For example, MODON’s industrial cities currently host more than 1,400 factories under construction, along with 2,000 factories waiting for industrial land allocation. This reflects the sector’s rapid growth and the confidence investors have in Saudi Arabia’s industrial environment,” he said.

This growth reflects the National Industrial Strategy, the localization strategy, and local content targets, said the minister, adding that major companies such as Aramco, SABIC, stc and Maaden have localization programs that have opened up significant opportunities for both Saudi and international investors.

Alkhorayef added that Saudi Arabia's choice to be an exhibition partner this year highlights the country's global standing and the potential it offers in a number of fields, including industry.

The Minister indicated that the exhibition aims to showcase the opportunities available in the Kingdom, especially in the industrial and educational sectors. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Tourism is taking part with a special pavilion to promote tourism in the Kingdom, and the Ministry of Investment is trying to introduce tourists to opportunities in other sectors through its "Invest in Saudi" initiative.