Saudi Arabia Expands Efforts to Integrate into Global Supply Chains

Al-Falih speaking during the 28th Annual World Investment Conference in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Falih speaking during the 28th Annual World Investment Conference in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Expands Efforts to Integrate into Global Supply Chains

Al-Falih speaking during the 28th Annual World Investment Conference in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Falih speaking during the 28th Annual World Investment Conference in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia is intensifying its efforts to secure access to essential materials, promote local manufacturing, enhance sustainability, and strengthen its participation in global supply chains. This follows Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih’s announcement of nine new agreements, alongside 25 additional deals under review, under the Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (Jusoor).
Speaking during the 28th Annual World Investment Conference in Riyadh, Al-Falih described these agreements as a major step toward building more resilient and efficient supply chains in the Kingdom.
He noted that the program, which reflects the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, forms part of the National Investment Strategy and is supported by government programs such as the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP).
Al-Falih highlighted Saudi Arabia’s plans to facilitate access to critical minerals, promote local manufacturing, and expand its footprint in global green energy markets. He emphasized that “green supply” is a fundamental pillar of the initiative, supported by investments in renewable energy.
The Kingdom aims to develop 100 new investment opportunities across 25 value chains, including projects in green energy and artificial intelligence (AI), he underlined.
The government is also offering incentives for companies to invest in special economic zones and aims to attract investments in emerging sectors such as semiconductors and digital manufacturing. Al-Falih stressed the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
He reiterated the government’s full commitment to realizing this vision, with ministries continuing to support this strategic initiative focused on sustainable development and the localization of advanced industries.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef announced that Saudi Arabia has attracted over $160 billion in investments to its market—nearly triple previous figures. Capital in the mining sector has grown to $1 billion, while investments in mineral wealth have exceeded $260 million.
Al-Khorayef underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to building strong, reliable partnerships through strategies that prioritize supply chain development and sustainability. He identified the Jusoor initiative as a key mechanism for linking Saudi Arabia to global supply chains, tackling challenges such as energy transitions and the growing demand for critical minerals.
For his part, Minister of State and Cabinet Member Dr. Hamad Al-Sheikh, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Localization and Balance of Payments Committee, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments in infrastructure, saying that these efforts aim to position the Kingdom as a leading global logistics hub.

 

 

 



Saudi Minister of Industry: Geological Survey Authority to Play Key Role in Mining Over Next 25 Years

Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
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Saudi Minister of Industry: Geological Survey Authority to Play Key Role in Mining Over Next 25 Years

Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)
Prince Saud and the Minister of Industry during the Authority's ceremony. (Makkah Region)

Saudi Arabia’s Geological Survey Authority plays a vital role in uncovering the earth’s reserves of metals such as gold, zinc, and copper. According to Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, this role is set to expand significantly in the next 25 years as the Authority becomes central to advancing the mining sector.

Alkhorayef emphasized the commitment to continuing geological survey and exploration projects, providing critical data to investors. He highlighted initiatives launched by the Authority to transform the mining sector into the third pillar of the national economy.

The minister was speaking during a ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Saudi Geological Survey Authority. The event, held under the patronage of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Province, was inaugurated by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the region, in the presence of senior officials and distinguished guests.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Alkhorayef noted the significant influx of investment in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector.

“There is now a large number of investment applications in the mining sector. We are collaborating with other government entities to ensure site allocations for investors,” he said.

He added that new agreements are being signed daily, both for expansions by existing investors and for new entrants to the sector.

The data obtained from geological surveys and the Authority’s digital platform has positioned Saudi Arabia as a prime destination for mining investments,’ he stressed.

“The results we achieve through geological surveys and accurate data collection make Saudi Arabia a key focus for companies seeking to expand in the mining sector to secure future resource supplies,” added Alkhorayef.

He also underscored efforts to verify data through additional sampling and by concentrating on areas with the richest deposits, which enhances the credibility of Saudi mining data globally.

Saudi Arabia has implemented extensive geological survey projects, covering over 85% of the country’s territory through advanced geophysical and geochemical techniques.

Alkhorayef highlighted the General Geological Survey Program and the initiative to build a National Geological Data Repository. These efforts have increased the estimated value of the Kingdom’s untapped mineral resources from SAR 4.9 trillion in 2016 to SAR 9.4 trillion at the beginning of 2024.

At the ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Makkah Province unveiled the Saudi Geological Survey Authority’s new logo, reflecting its geological identity and ongoing efforts to map the Kingdom’s resources while promoting cultural and environmental awareness. The event also included recognition for the Authority’s founding committee members and ceremony sponsors.

Alkhorayef noted that the Authority has completed more than 500 specialized projects across various earth science fields. These include geological mapping at various scales, mineral exploration, geophysical, geochemical, and marine surveys, geological hazard monitoring and mitigation, and mining research and studies.

He pointed to the Authority’s emphasis on developing its human resources, recognizing that their dedication and expertise have been pivotal to its success and to earning widespread acclaim for its accomplishments.

In his remarks marking the Authority’s 25th anniversary, Alkhorayef acknowledged the significant national efforts in exploring mineral wealth over the past quarter-century.

These efforts have led to major discoveries that have positively impacted multiple sectors, he said, adding that discoveries of key minerals like phosphate, potassium, gold, and silver, as well as strategic mineral reserves, have bolstered investments and spurred the growth of the mining sector.