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China’s Xi Promises Open Markets and Billions in New Investments for ‘Belt and Road’ Projects 

Chinese President Xi Jinping and distinguished guests arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, 18 October 2023. (EPA/Wang Ye/ Xinhua China / UK and Ireland)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and distinguished guests arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, 18 October 2023. (EPA/Wang Ye/ Xinhua China / UK and Ireland)
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China’s Xi Promises Open Markets and Billions in New Investments for ‘Belt and Road’ Projects 

Chinese President Xi Jinping and distinguished guests arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, 18 October 2023. (EPA/Wang Ye/ Xinhua China / UK and Ireland)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and distinguished guests arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, 18 October 2023. (EPA/Wang Ye/ Xinhua China / UK and Ireland)

Chinese President Xi Jinping promised foreign companies greater access to China’s huge market and more than $100 billion in new financing for other developing economies as he opened a forum Wednesday on his signature Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

Xi's initiative has built power plants, roads, railroads and ports around the world and deepened China’s ties with Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Tt the forum’s opening ceremony at the ornate and cavernous Great Hall of the People, Xi promised that two Chinese-backed development banks – the China Development Bank and the Export–Import Bank of China – will each set up 350 billion yuan ($47.9 billion) financing windows. An additional 80 billion yuan ($11 billion) will be invested in Beijing's Silk Road Fund to support BRI projects.

“We will comprehensively remove restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector,” Xi said. He said China would further open up “cross-border trade and investment in services and expand market access for digital products” and carry out reforms of state-owned enterprises and in sectors such as the digital economy, intellectual property rights and government procurement.

The pledges of hefty support from Beijing come at a time when China's economy has slowed and foreign investment has plunged.

Xi alluded to efforts by the United States and its allies to reduce their reliance on Chinese manufacturing and supply chains amid heightened competition and diplomatic frictions and reiterated promises that Beijing would create a fairer environment for foreign firms.

“We do not engage in ideological confrontation, geopolitical games nor clique political confrontation,” Xi said. “We oppose unilateral sanctions, economic coercion and the decoupling and severance of chains,” a reference to moves elsewhere to diversify industrial supply chains.

Reiterating Chinese complaints that such moves are meant to limit China's growth, Xi said that “viewing others’ development as a threat or taking economic interdependence as a risk will not make one’s own life better or speed up one’s development.”

“China can only do well when the world is doing well,” he said. “When China does well, the world will get even better.”

Representatives from more than 130 mostly developing countries are attending the forum, including at least 20 heads of state and government. Russian President Vladimir Putin is attending, reflecting China’s economic and diplomatic support for Moscow amid the isolation brought by its war in Ukraine.

Addressing the forum right after Xi, Putin praised BRI as being “truly important, global, future-oriented, aimed at creating more equitable, multipolar world relations."

“This is truly a global plan,” he said, adding that it aligns with Russia's plan “to form a large Eurasian space, as a space of cooperation and interaction of like-minded people, where a variety of integration processes will be linked.”

He referred to other regional organizations, such as the security-oriented Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Eurasian Economic Union of former Soviet states.

Several European officials including the French and Italian ambassadors to China and former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin walked out while Putin spoke and returned afterwards.

On Tuesday, Putin met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is the sole European Union government leader attending the forum. Their meeting was a rare instance of the Russian president meeting a European leader since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine in February 2022.

Putin met with Xi after the opening ceremony.

Also in attendance are the presidents of Indonesia, Argentina, Kazakstan, Sri Lanka, Kenya among other countries, as well as UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Most Western European countries and US allies sent lower level or former officials to the forum.

Guterres highlighted the BRI’s potential to bring development to neglected areas while stressing the need for projects to be environmentally sustainable. He said the initiative could help drive the transition away from reliance on fossil fuels.

“Developing countries will need massive support for a fair, equitable and just energy transition toward renewables while providing affordable electricity to all,” Guterres said.

He also called for an “immediate, humanitarian” ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine war after a strike killed hundreds at a Gaza City hospital on Tuesday.

With the BRI, China has become a major financer of development projects on a par with the World Bank. The Chinese government says the initiative has launched more than 3,000 projects and “galvanized” nearly $1 trillion in investment.

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Business

Analysts: Vision 2030 Accelerates Saudi Economy Reshaping Through Diversification

Analysts: Vision 2030 Accelerates Saudi Economy Reshaping Through Diversification
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Analysts: Vision 2030 Accelerates Saudi Economy Reshaping Through Diversification

Analysts: Vision 2030 Accelerates Saudi Economy Reshaping Through Diversification

Saudi Arabia has successfully reshaped its economic base in recent years, transitioning from a model primarily reliant on oil to a more diverse and sustainable economy, driven by the Vision 2030 programs launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia continues its transformative path under Vision 2030, entering a new phase focused on sustainable growth and consolidating achievements, following years of economic and structural reforms that reshaped the national economy.

The 2025 annual report shows that the Kingdom has successfully established a more diverse and resilient economic model, supported by the increasing contribution of non-oil sectors and the expansion of the production and investment base.

This Vision, which included the implementation of over 1,000 legislative reforms, has contributed to improving the business environment, enhancing Saudi Arabia's attractiveness, and building effective and growing economic sectors.

This has positioned the Kingdom among the fastest-growing economies globally, strengthening its ability to face global economic fluctuations.

Furthermore, Vision 2030 has successfully outlined clear strategic objectives to activate Saudi Arabia's economic strengths through the development of key sectors including aviation, tourism, logistics, industry, and mining, among others. This is supported by massive investments and major projects that have reshaped the economy's structure
Non-oil activities have served to bolster the Saudi economy as the “main engine of growth,” which has contributed to enhancing its competitiveness and placing it at the forefront of active economies regionally and globally.

This momentum is based on the expansion of diverse and promising sectors, including tourism and entertainment, as well as industry, transport, and logistics, among others. This has boosted their contribution to the output, after non-oil activities recorded a historic level of 2.6 trillion riyals ($693 billion) in 2024, growing by 6 percent.

Economic Structure Transformation

Hamza Dweik, Head of Trading for the Middle East and North Africa at Saxo Bank, affirms that the results of Vision 2030 have clearly demonstrated “the transformation of the Kingdom's economic structure away from total reliance on oil.”

He pointed to the remarkable expansion in non-oil sectors and the increase in non-oil government revenues, which contributed to reducing the economy's sensitivity to oil price fluctuations.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he clarified that institutional and regulatory reforms, including developing the business environment, financial markets, enhancing workforce participation, and attracting foreign investment, have contributed to increasing the inflow of local and international capital, which is a fundamental element in achieving economic diversification. He added that these transformations have altered the investment outlook for Saudi Arabia, which is now seen as a multi-sector economy, supported by the depth of its financial markets and the increase in initial public offerings.

Dweik pointed out that the diversification process is still ongoing, noting that oil will remain an important factor in financing development. He expects the next phase to focus on enhancing productivity and efficiency, ensuring the sustainability of emerging sectors without reliance on government support, emphasizing that the quality of this diversification will be the true measure of future success.

Accelerated Growth of Non-Oil Sectors

Firas Al-Bayrouti, Regional Director for Milestone Systems in Saudi Arabia, states that the features of the new economy are evident in “the accelerated growth of non-oil sectors, increased investments, and continuous development of modern infrastructure.”

He noted that these factors reflect “strategic planning aimed at building a more diverse and resilient economy.”

He added that Vision 2030 has opened wide horizons for vital sectors such as tourism, technology, logistics, and entertainment, in addition to fostering an environment of investment and innovation, with the growing role of the private sector as a key driver of long-term economic growth.

Al-Bayrouti confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that data-backed smart technologies will play a pivotal role in the next phase, both in supporting infrastructure and enhancing security and operational efficiency. He pointed out that technology has become an essential part of building more efficient and secure cities and institutions.

Major Projects

Asrar Khazi, Regional Director for Euro Systems in Saudi Arabia, believes that the economic transformation is also embodied in “a comprehensive reformulation of the urban environment.”

He noted that the major projects in the Kingdom have surpassed traditional frameworks, pushing the boundaries of design, engineering, and sustainability to unprecedented levels.
He explained that these projects represent integrated economic systems that contribute to attracting investments and stimulating new sectors, thereby fostering sustainable growth.

Additionally, they form a modern architectural identity that blends advanced technologies with cultural dimensions, citing projects like Diriyah as an example.

Khazi indicated that this trend boosts demand for advanced engineering solutions and contributes to developing local capabilities and supply chains, which creates long-term economic value and strengthens the urban sector's role as a driver of economic diversification.

Business

Vision 2030 Transforms Saudi Arabia into a Global Logistics Platform

Jeddah Islamic Port (Saudi Ports Authority)
Jeddah Islamic Port (Saudi Ports Authority)
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Vision 2030 Transforms Saudi Arabia into a Global Logistics Platform

Jeddah Islamic Port (Saudi Ports Authority)
Jeddah Islamic Port (Saudi Ports Authority)

In a global landscape rocked by supply chain disruptions, Saudi Arabia has emerged as an indispensable pillar of stability on the international logistics map. Over the past decade, the Kingdom has demonstrated an exceptional ability to overcome global shocks with greater strength, relying on the Vision 2030 approach based on resilience and proactivity.

This systematic investment in "strengths" was not merely a response to local development requirements but also the construction of a cross-border economic defensive shield, transforming current challenges into a launching pad for global leadership.

In light of the Vision, the Kingdom's geostrategic location has transformed from a static comparative advantage into a dynamic tool that has shaped a new economic reality. This was achieved through the high-quality connectivity between vital waterways from the Arabian Gulf in the east to the Red Sea in the west.

This interconnectedness, supported by advanced air and rail transport platforms, has not only enhanced the Kingdom's position as a link between three continents but also made it a vital artery ensuring the sustainability of international trade. It has proven the national system's ability to transform geopolitical challenges into pioneering opportunities that guarantee global prosperity.

Institutional Harmony

The journey of comprehensive development began with the reorganization of the logistics system, aiming to enhance performance efficiency and achieve the highest degree of integration among its various sectors.

This was embodied in the transformation of the Ministry of Transport into the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, leading institutional harmony that brings together the Authority General Transport, ports, and civil aviation under its umbrella.

This reform did not stop at the organizational aspect but extended to enhancing the operational role of national entities. This included empowering the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) and establishing new strategic entities such as Riyadh Air, the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company, the General Authority for Roads, and the National Transport Safety Center.

The system also witnessed a qualitative transformation in the postal services sector through the development of the SPL institution and the expansion of its services to meet modern logistics requirements.

Roadmap Towards Strategic Certainty

National strategies for transport, logistics services, and aviation have contributed to creating a state of "strategic certainty" regarding the sector's future, supported by colossal infrastructure projects that ensure sustainable growth through:

- Air Expansion: Working on establishing leading international airports, such as King Salman International Airport, and the new Abha and Jazan airports, in parallel with launching the "Air Connectivity Program" to enhance global access.

- Smart Logistics Centers: Launching the master plan for logistics centers, which includes establishing 59 centers (24 of which were activated by the end of 2025), and developing ports to become "smart ports" that rely on digitalization as a fundamental pillar.

- Rail Connectivity: Expanding the railway network and connecting the northern lines with the eastern ones (Jubail-Dammam), which has provided low-cost, highly reliable logistics solutions.

How the Kingdom Digitalized the Future of Investment?

The logistics environment has undergone fundamental development, enabling it to assume a prominent position as an attractive destination for global investment, thanks to the adoption of a comprehensive digitalization strategy for services and integrated connectivity through unified digital platforms. This transformation has led to enhanced ease of doing business by simplifying regulatory procedures and automating license issuance, making it more flexible and faster in responding to market demands.

This digital path has also contributed to raising the efficiency of real-time coordination among various regulatory bodies, which in turn has shortened the "investor's journey" and solidified reliability levels in national logistics operations.

In terms of direct economic impact, these digital enablers have played a pivotal role in stimulating growth and diversification rates. They have contributed to revitalizing re-export sectors and providing effective logistical support for non-oil exports. Technical integration has also facilitated the access of local products to international markets according to competitive standards in terms of efficiency and cost, making the logistics system a key driver for supporting cross-border trade and expanding the Saudi economy's global influence.

The Language of Numbers

These strategic efforts culminated in tangible progress for the Kingdom in the most important international forums, reflecting the efficiency of sustainable infrastructure investment and continuous improvement in logistics performance.

This was embodied by the Kingdom reaching the top ten countries globally in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) issued by the World Bank, in addition to ranking second globally in growth rates among G20 countries, with a growth of 32 percent compared to 2024.
The Kingdom also maintained its strong presence among the top four centers in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index for 2025, which confirms the competitiveness and stability of the Saudi investment environment.

To facilitate global trade movement, the Kingdom achieved qualitative leaps in the efficiency of border operations; it successfully reduced customs clearance times from 9 hours in 2021 to less than two hours by 2025. This achievement coincided with a strategic expansion in logistics facilities, represented by an increase in the number of licensed deposit areas to 21, which enhanced the Kingdom's ability to accommodate global goods flows and support supply chain fluidity with efficiency and capability.

The Story of 24 Million Containers

The geography of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea are among the most vital and influential waterways in international trade movement, which gives Saudi ports, extending along the eastern and western coasts, immense strategic importance as fundamental pillars of global navigation.

By serving as logistics convergence points connecting three continents, these ports have succeeded in solidifying their pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of global supply chains and the flow of goods, transforming the Kingdom's geographical advantages into an active economic force that supports the stability of cross-border trade.

In pursuit of maximizing these gains, the Kingdom launched a series of qualitative development projects to modernize port infrastructure and expand shipping services. These efforts resulted in a major leap in handling capacity, which increased by 50 percent to reach 24.3 million standard containers, in parallel with a tangible increase in the number of added maritime shipping services, totaling 101 services.

This expansion has not only contributed to increasing the Kingdom's interconnectedness with global markets but also enabled it to establish new shipping routes that enhance flexible access to key international ports.

This development vision has extended beyond ports to include the establishment of integrated logistics zones and centers designed to be attractive incubators for major investments. These zones allow investors to maximize the benefits of integrated logistics services for their business growth, in addition to activating re-export activities, which represent added value to the national economy.

Through this integrated system, the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to its role as a global leader in the maritime sector, providing an advanced logistics environment that ensures efficient operational processes and supports the sustainability of global economic growth.
 

The Vision Train: A Railway Artery Connecting Cities to Ports

The Kingdom invested early in building a robust aviation sector, recognizing the importance of connecting with the world, facilitating the arrival of pilgrims, and finding innovative solutions for cargo shipping.

The sector underwent pivotal regulatory stages, starting with the establishment of the Civil Aviation Department and Saudi Arabian Airlines, leading to structural independence with the establishment of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, which laid the foundations for institutional work that paved the way for major transformations aligning with growing international requirements.

With the emergence of Vision 2030, the Kingdom foresaw exceptional opportunities to develop the aviation sector and effectively contribute to economic growth, leveraging its strategic location connecting the world's three continents.

This vision was translated through the reorganization of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the establishment of new strategic entities, such as Riyadh Air and the Saudi Air Navigation Services Company, in parallel with the launch of the National Aviation Strategy and the Air Connectivity Program, which aimed to expand international reach through new air routes connecting Saudi cities with global capitals.

In the context of infrastructure modernization, the pace of establishing major international airports accelerated, with development work continuing across all regions of the Kingdom, alongside accelerating private sector involvement in airport management to enhance operational efficiency.

Thanks to these efforts, Saudi airports today have transformed into pivotal connectivity hubs linking global and regional destinations, which has contributed to achieving qualitative leaps in passenger numbers and air cargo activity.

The Kingdom is steadily moving towards its ambitious targets of connecting to 250 global destinations via 29 airports, serving 330 million passengers, and transporting 4.5 million tons of cargo annually by 2030.

Railway Network

The story of railways in the Kingdom began as a strategic necessity to connect the capital, Riyadh, with Dammam Port, leading to the establishment of the Saudi Railways Organization to enhance import and export movement and freight transport.

With the expansion of development projects, especially in the mining sector, the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) was established to extend the network, reaching the farthest north of the Kingdom, thereby creating a solid infrastructure for transporting passengers, minerals, and commercial goods with high efficiency.

With the launch of Vision 2030, the railway sector entered an ambitious phase aiming for complete integration with all other logistics sectors.

This phase witnessed an unprecedented expansion in train operations, making Saudi cities more interconnected; the north of the Kingdom was linked to its center and east, providing reliable and sustainable transport solutions. Work on the Haramain High-Speed Railway also accelerated, representing a qualitative leap in serving pilgrims, connecting Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh with the highest standards of speed and safety.

Today, the Kingdom is moving towards a more interconnected future through ambitious projects that support tourism activity and enhance regional connectivity between Saudi cities and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

This advanced network is no longer just a means of transport; it has become a fundamental pillar for enhancing the quality of life and supporting economic diversification by reducing logistics costs and improving service reliability, thereby solidifying the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting industrial centers, ports, and urban communities.

It is clear that the radical transformation witnessed by the Saudi logistics sector is not just a race towards numbers and indicators, but a complete reshaping of the "Kingdom's economic identity" to become the vital and reliable link for global trade.

Business

Vision 2030: The Story of Transformation from Traditional Management to Global Digital Leadership

Vision 2030: The Story of Transformation from Traditional Management to Global Digital Leadership
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Vision 2030: The Story of Transformation from Traditional Management to Global Digital Leadership

Vision 2030: The Story of Transformation from Traditional Management to Global Digital Leadership

Saudi Arabia has embarked on a path of digital transformation and a knowledge-based economy as part of Vision 2030, relying on an advanced digital infrastructure and a knowledge base accumulated over many years, which has enhanced its ability to compete in future economies.

This transformation has been driven by a national ambition to diversify the economy, create new job opportunities, and empower youth through building an integrated system that supports innovation, research, and technology.

Paperless Government

As part of this transformation, the Kingdom adopted a "paperless government" policy, which aimed to facilitate beneficiaries' access to government services through unified digital platforms covering various sectors such as justice, health, tourism, investment, housing, logistics, and real estate, among others.

This approach contributed to reducing and simplifying procedures, enabling beneficiaries to complete their transactions without the need for personal presence, whether they are citizens, residents, investors, or visitors, as stated in the Vision 2030 Annual Report for 2025.

Comprehensive Government Program

The Digital Government Authority also launched the Comprehensive Government program in 2022, aiming to accelerate digital transformation, enhance integration among government entities, and provide an integrated digital experience that simplifies the beneficiary's journey and increases the efficiency of government resource utilization in the digital space.

This has been reflected in several qualitative successes, most notably the Balady platform, which contributed to the closure of 37 government platforms with an achievement rate exceeding 80 percent, in addition to the Logisti platform, which offers over 200 services, and the Sehaty platform, which serves more than 30 million beneficiaries.

Global AI Hub

In the field of artificial intelligence, the Kingdom has solidified its position as an advanced global hub, leveraging the availability of energy, digital infrastructure, and data centers, making it an attractive destination for AI technologies.

Humain company was launched as an integrated national project aimed at localizing artificial intelligence technologies, developing large language models that support Arabic content, and operating advanced applications in data centers; including AI technologies in Dammam.

Investments are also being made in building human capabilities by integrating artificial intelligence into educational curricula and launching training programs targeting students and national talents, thereby enhancing the readiness of future generations.

Humain Company

Humain was launched in 2025 and is developing advanced AI solutions, including a smart Arabic assistant, leading language models, a fully AI-powered operating system, in addition to devices and technologies developed within the Kingdom, serving hundreds of thousands of users. The number of active users exceeds 300,000, and its services extend to 5 different markets, supporting over 150 digital applications and services.

Digital Transformation of the Judicial Sector

In the judicial sector, digital services have undergone a qualitative leap, offering over 160 electronic services that saved approximately 90 million papers annually and eliminated 65 million visits. This is in addition to the digitization of more than 200 million real estate documents and the implementation of electronic litigation, which reduced the duration of cases by 79 percent, alongside the launch of Virtual Court and Virtual Notary Public.

This development is based on an advanced digital infrastructure and a secure, reliable digital space, which has led the Kingdom towards a more advanced stage that goes beyond merely providing services to enhancing user experience and eliminating complexity.

Digital and Knowledge-based Economy

In terms of the digital and knowledge-based economy, the Kingdom has established its position as one of the strongly emerging economies of the future, through developing an integrated legislative and institutional system. This included the establishment of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the Research Development and Innovation Authority, and the Saudi Space Agency, in addition to reorganizing the Communications, Space & Technology Commission, establishing the National Information Technology Development Program, and enhancing the role of research and innovation centers such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

Digital Security

A national framework was also established to enhance the security of the digital space as part of national security, contributing to economic and social stability, empowering technology companies, and fostering the growth of digital services.

This was supported by the establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the National Cybersecurity Authority, in addition to international initiatives such as the Child Protection in Cyberspace Initiative; all of which contributed to strengthening the Kingdom's global leadership in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Digital Economy Market

Economic indicators reflect the scale of this transformation, as the size of the digital economy market in the Kingdom reached 745.98 billion Saudi Riyals ($198.9 billion), while the size of the communications and information technology market reached 199 billion Saudi Riyals. Several Saudi technology companies have emerged as billion-dollar enterprises signifying the growth and accelerated maturity of the digital sector.

Leading Positions in Global Indices

Advanced international indicators reflect the Kingdom's position in the digital and technical fields, where it ranked first globally in the Telecommunication and ICT Development Index, and first globally in the Cybersecurity Index for the second consecutive year according to the Global Competitiveness Report. It also led globally in empowering women in artificial intelligence, according to the Stanford index.

Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the Digital Readiness Index 2025, issued by the International Telecommunication Union.

Regionally, the Kingdom ranked first in the AI Safety Index, while achieving 11th place globally. It also led regionally in the Shaheen III supercomputer, ranking 18th globally.
The Kingdom ranked first regionally in government readiness for artificial intelligence, according to the Oxford Insights report.

Globally, the Kingdom achieved second place in the Digital Government Maturity Index, third globally in the growth rate of AI jobs, and also third globally in the number of leading AI models, according to the Stanford index, in addition to being among the 7 countries worldwide that have published leading AI models.

It also ranked second among G20 countries in the Telecommunications and Technology Sector Regulatory Development Index, sixth globally in the E-Government Development Index, and 20th globally in the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index.