By: Zawya

High-ranking Saudi and Chinese officials are set to hold a series of meetings this week focused on significantly strengthening bilateral cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors. The discussions are part of a five-day official visit to China by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, which commenced on Monday.

Minister Alkhorayef is leading a high-level delegation with the objective of bolstering economic relations, identifying new avenues for partnership, and promoting joint investments that align with the economic diversification goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships in Beijing

The Beijing leg of the visit will feature high-level governmental engagements, including meetings with:

• Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhi'ou
• Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhou Haibing
• Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng

The delegation will also conduct talks with executives from leading Chinese technology and industrial firms, including ZGC Group, BOE Technology Group, TBEA, and Kyland Technology.

Showcasing Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Ambition in Shanghai

The mission will then proceed to Shanghai, where the delegation will participate in the prominent Industrial Automation Show (Hannover Messe). This involvement serves as a precursor to Saudi Arabia hosting the Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia (Hannover Messe 2025) in Riyadh this December.

In Shanghai, the focus will shift to direct engagement with major industrial corporations. Meetings are scheduled with companies such as Gotion Hi-tech, China Minmetals Corporation, and Ganfeng Lithium to explore opportunities for knowledge transfer, joint ventures, and direct investment into the Kingdom's burgeoning industrial and mining landscape. A dedicated mining sector workshop, coordinated with the China Mining Association, will highlight specific opportunities in critical minerals.

A Foundation of Growing Collaboration

Chinese investment is already a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's industrial development. Key ongoing projects include Wangkang Group's building materials facility in Yanbu Industrial City and Xinguang's LED lighting factory in Jubail Industrial City.

Saudi Arabia positions itself as an ideal partner for Chinese global expansion, citing its strategic geographic location at the crossroads of three continents, a young and dynamic workforce, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. This visit solidifies the alignment between Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and China's deepening economic engagement across the Middle East.