Saudi Fund for Development Finances 3 Development Projects in Serbia Worth $205 Million

The agreements cover three projects - SPA
The agreements cover three projects - SPA
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Saudi Fund for Development Finances 3 Development Projects in Serbia Worth $205 Million

The agreements cover three projects - SPA
The agreements cover three projects - SPA

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed three development loan agreements with the Republic of Serbia worth $205 million to fund key projects supporting the agriculture, education, and energy sectors, according to an SFD press release issued today.
This partnership, marking the SFD’s first presence in Serbia, is aimed at fostering the country’s long-term socioeconomic growth. The agreements cover three projects: $75 million for the Strengthen Irrigation Infrastructure in Different Areas Project, $65 million for the Construction of the Bio4 Campus in Belgrade Project, and $65 million for the Development of Transmission System Operator (Phase 1) Project, SPA reported.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Serbia Siniša Mali stated: “We are grateful for the support. The projects for which this money is intended will contribute to the creation of new jobs, strengthening of our economy, and better positioning of the Republic of Serbia in the world scientific community.”
He added: “The agreements will also reinforce the long-term partnership between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and contribute to the implementation and development of important projects in our country.”
CEO of the SFD Sultan Al-Marshad said: “Supporting sustainable development through strategic funding in infrastructure and education is central to our mission.”
According to the release, the SFD is committed to supporting sustainable development globally. As the official development arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the SFD has financed more than 800 projects in over 100 countries, with total funding of $20 billion. In 2024, the SFD celebrated 50 years of advancing global development, with recent expansions into 11 new countries, including Serbia.



Saudi Arabia, Leonardo Partner to Localize Helicopter Manufacturing

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef meets chairman of the board of directors of Leonardo Stefano Pontecorvo in Milan. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef meets chairman of the board of directors of Leonardo Stefano Pontecorvo in Milan. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Leonardo Partner to Localize Helicopter Manufacturing

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef meets chairman of the board of directors of Leonardo Stefano Pontecorvo in Milan. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef meets chairman of the board of directors of Leonardo Stefano Pontecorvo in Milan. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef held talks in Milan on Wednesday with Stefano Pontecorvo, chairman of the board of directors of Leonardo, an Italian multinational company specializing in aerospace, defense and security, to discuss expanding their long-standing partnership.

Talks focused on localizing the manufacturing of helicopter components in Saudi Arabia, including aircraft structures, propellers, fins, and electronic flight systems.

Leonardo has a strong presence in Saudi Arabia, having provided a wide range of platforms, systems, and services for over 50 years. This collaboration aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to develop a robust and diversified economy.

By localizing helicopter component manufacturing, Saudi Arabia seeks to create jobs, transfer technology, and develop a domestic supply chain for the aviation industry.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the Kingdom's capabilities in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, as well as manufacturing spare parts for engines, drones, and navigation systems.

The Saudi aviation sector is projected to contribute SAR11.4 billion to the GDP by 2030. Alkhorayef's visit to Leonardo underscores the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening its aviation industry and leveraging global expertise to achieve its economic goals.