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Saudi Arabia Establishes Duty-Free Markets in Airports, Ports

Saudi Arabia agrees to establish free markets at land, sea and air ports (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia agrees to establish free markets at land, sea and air ports (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Establishes Duty-Free Markets in Airports, Ports

Saudi Arabia agrees to establish free markets at land, sea and air ports (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia agrees to establish free markets at land, sea and air ports (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has opened a new trade path by approving the establishment of duty-free markets in airports, seaports, and land ports. This supports the Kingdom’s aspirations for infrastructure development, logistics support and providing a unique business environment in the transport sector.

The Cabinet, chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Tuesday at Al-Salam Palace, approved the establishment of duty-free markets in airports, seaports, and land ports.

The Cabinet decision permits sale, in these markets, to passengers arriving and departing from the Kingdom.

Establishing duty-free markets aligns with Saudi Arabia’s plans for strategic transformation in providing support services and operational processes.

The Kingdom’s Transport Ministry is focused on upgrading provided services, developing the operational aspect in line with future plans, building strong alliances and providing a distinctive travel experience through integrated work and by investing with the private sector to achieve the highest standards of efficiency and operation.

In other news, Saudi Arabia is scheduled to inaugurate on Wednesday the Port of Jazan Primary and Downstream Industries (JPDI), located in the south of the Kingdom on the Red Sea, which represents one of the most prominent global trade corridors.
The inauguration is set to be sponsored by Governor of Jazan Prince Mohammed bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz.

The Royal Commission in Jubail and Yanbu, represented by the Jubail and Yanbu Industrial Services Company, and Hutchison Ports had announced the signing of an agreement to invest and operate JCPDI Port, which consists of world-class, multipurpose terminals within the Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI).

The port is located on the international trade corridor across the Red Sea, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Horn of Africa, and on China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Establishing the port is an important step in the Kingdom’s journey towards economic development and diversification of sources of income. The port, as a logistical gateway, will serve to be a great supporter of the city’s economic, industrial, and logistical renaissance.

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China Eyes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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China Eyes Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

China’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chang Hua, expressed Beijing’s hopes to strengthen its partnership with the kingdom, especially in electric vehicle production and other industries.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Hua condemned violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and the targeting of civilians.
He called for immediate action to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
“China is deeply shocked by the high civilian casualties from the conflict between Israel and Lebanon,” Hua said, urging the international community to work on calming the situation.
He emphasized that, no matter how things unfold, “China will always stand for justice and remain committed to peace and stability in the Middle East. We are ready to work with all parties to promote peace in the region.”
China’s Economic Growth
Hua highlighted China’s rise from a $30 billion economy to a $17.8 trillion one, making it the world’s second-largest economy and a leader in trade and industry.
He reiterated China’s goal to maintain high-level openness, push for high-quality economic development, and promote a multipolar world with fair global governance and inclusive economic globalization.
Saudi-China Relations
Hua described the partnership between Saudi Arabia and China as entering a new phase of deep development, congratulating Saudi Arabia on its 94th National Day.
He noted that Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia has boosted bilateral relations and strengthened the comprehensive strategic partnership, driving it towards a more stable and prosperous future.
The ambassador stressed the need to expand trade and investment between the two countries and highlighted the upcoming “Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025” as a key event.
Hua also pointed out that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman values the strong and historic relationship between the two nations.
The Crown Prince looks forward to further aligning Saudi Vision 2030 with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, expanding cooperation in energy, investment, and culture.
Hua noted that China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $100 billion in the past two years. He also mentioned the recent currency swap agreement between the two countries, which has helped boost trade and investment.
New Developments in Saudi-China Relations
According to Hua, the cooperation between the two nations has grown significantly, particularly in the automotive, renewable energy, and tourism sectors.
In 2023, Saudi imports of Chinese cars reached $4.12 billion, driven by companies like Changan, Geely, MG, Chery, Great Wall, Hongqi, GAC, and BYD, which have opened branches in the kingdom.
Discussions are ongoing about building local manufacturing plants. China exported 4.91 million vehicles in 2023, making it the largest car exporter globally for the first time, including 1.203 million electric vehicles, a 77.6% increase from the previous year.
Hua noted that Saudi Vision 2030 aims for electric vehicles to account for at least 30% of all cars in Riyadh by 2030, and he expressed optimism about enhancing collaboration in automotive manufacturing.
Chinese companies are also increasingly involved in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector. They are working on multiple solar projects, including the Al Shuaibah photovoltaic plant, the largest of its kind in the world, with a capacity of 2.6 gigawatts.
In July 2023, the Renewable Energy Localization Company (RELC), backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, signed agreements with three Chinese firms—Envision Technology Group, Jinko Solar, and TCL Zhonghuan—to establish joint ventures for high-efficiency solar cell production in Saudi Arabia.
These projects will focus on producing solar components, helping Saudi Arabia achieve its goal of sourcing 75% of renewable energy project components locally by 2030.
Hua also highlighted the increasing exchange of visits between citizens of both countries. In September 2023, China and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate group tourism, making the kingdom an official destination for Chinese tour groups.
Several Chinese travel agencies have begun offering packages to Saudi Arabia, and direct flights between the two countries are increasing. Saudi Airlines has expanded its routes, operating numerous weekly flights between Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Riyadh, and Jeddah.