Saudi Arabia, China sign 57 agreements, MoUs worth over SAR 14B

Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture

As many as 57 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between 36 Saudi Arabian entities and their Chinese counterparts during the Saudi Chinese Forum on exporting Saudi products and sustaining the agricultural sector.

The total investment exceeded SAR 14 billion.

Out of the total, 26 agreements focus on exports to China, laying the groundwork for an unprecedented strategic alliance in the agricultural, water, and environmental sectors.

The signed agreements include several landmark projects in the fields of environment, water, agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. Key initiatives include knowledge exchange in water recycling, development of human capacity-building programs, establishment of marine algae farming stations, production of biofuels and biofertilizers, and the use of advanced technologies, such as cloud computing, to enhance water treatment processes.

Furthermore, agreements were signed between various public and private sector entities in both countries to develop a smart food security city in the Kingdom. This city will feature factories, laboratories, and integrated logistics services. In addition, there are joint efforts to establish a fully integrated city for basic and transformative industries in the Jazan region, aimed at strengthening supply chains and opening new horizons for agro-industrial investment.

In the livestock production sector, several private companies from both nations agreed on projects to establish modern poultry farms, develop the sheep industry, and expand environmental recycling through the use of beekeeping and wool waste. Other initiatives include advanced genetic development of shrimp breeds and vertical farming projects.

Both parties also agreed on boosting the export of Saudi products to the Chinese market—particularly dates, vegetables and fruits, and bottled water. Several contracts were signed between private sector companies from both sides for the supply and distribution of these products within the Chinese market.

According to a statement issued today by the Ministry, the Saudi-Chinese Forum on exporting Saudi products and sustaining the agricultural sector was held in the Chinese capital, Beijing.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman AlFadley led a high-level delegation.

During his opening remarks at the forum, which was held as part of his official visit to China from May 12 to 14, AlFadley indicated that the trade exchange between Saudi Arabia and China exceeded $107 billion, reflecting the strength and economic significance of the relationship between the two countries. China remains Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 18% of its total foreign trade.

He noted that Vision 2030 places a strong emphasis on enhancing the trade balance and increasing non-oil exports. The Chinese market has long been a strategic priority for Saudi Arabia, with the scope of exports now expanding to include more than 20 Saudi food products currently entering Chinese markets.

AlFadley added that additional opportunities exist across several sectors, including water and dam projects, intensive livestock farming, poultry and its derivatives, aquaculture (particularly fish farming), downstream industries, agricultural recycling, waste management, and vegetation development. He further hoped that Chinese investors interested in the agricultural, environmental, and water sectors would visit the Kingdom to explore available investment opportunities.