Al-Falih Starts US Visit to Reinforce Saudi-US Commercial, Investment Partnership

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Al-Falih Starts US Visit to Reinforce Saudi-US Commercial, Investment Partnership

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih began Wednesday a visit to the US. His visit aims at highlighting Saudi Arabia as a major global investment destination.

The trip comes in the wake of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, launching Saudi Arabia’s National Investment Strategy.

During the visit, the minister will meet with a group of US officials to enhance the ongoing strategic trade and investment partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The visit also aims to encourage American investors to seize the opportunities offered by the great economic transformation that the Kingdom is experiencing, as well as the unprecedented avenues of investment that have become available in many economic sectors as a result of the launch of Saudi Vision 2030.

As part of his US itinerary, Al-Falih spoke on Wednesday at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles about the role of the National Investment Strategy in attracting foreign investors and companies.

Al-Falih will meet in Washington, DC, with several influencers, decision-makers, and chief executives of a group of companies based in the US.

In a statement on his visit, Al-Falih said the National Investment Strategy would lead to a significant change in the investment landscape in the Kingdom, which will provide unprecedented opportunities and advantages for investors.

“We consider US investors to be our partners, and we hope that they will seize the tremendous opportunities presented as part of our transformation. American innovation and expertise have a long and rich history in the Kingdom,” he added.

“In addition, we seek that American investments continue its fundamental role in the economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is moving towards a new promising stage in its development,” noted the minister.

The National Investment Strategy aims to make Saudi Arabia one of the 15 largest economies globally and increase the investment share to 30% of GDP by 2030.



Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production
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Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a remarkable 47% increase in potato production in 2023, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 86% with over 621,750 tons of potatoes produced compared to 423,770 tons in 2021.

This milestone was achieved after more than 17,000 hectares of land were cultivated with potatoes in 2023, up from 15,890 hectares in 2021. The potato production surge has positively impacted the manufacturing sector, stimulating investment and the use of advanced technologies.

According to the Ministry, overall vegetable production in 2023 reached 3.21 million tons, marking a 19% rise from 2020.

The significant improvement in agricultural productivity and its SAR109 billion contribution to the GDP are attributed to the Ministry's strategic initiatives focused on boosting self-sufficiency, attracting investments, and providing financial support, including increased financing rates for modern technology-based projects.

By prioritizing local production and reducing reliance on imports, the ministry aims to achieve the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and diversifying the national economy.