Saudi Arabia has identified 100 promising trade and investment opportunities across international markets as it seeks to expand economic partnerships and strengthen the global presence of Saudi businesses.
The opportunities emerged from 23 reports prepared by the Federation of Saudi Chambers during the first quarter of the year, examining foreign economies, trade and investment ties with the Kingdom, and areas for further cooperation.
The findings will help Saudi-foreign business councils set priorities, organize economic missions and develop commercial partnerships.
According to a recent federation report reviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat, its 103 bilateral business councils are working to connect Saudi companies with overseas markets, address obstacles to their expansion and strengthen ties with international partners.
The councils reported SAR 14.25 billion in investments realized across seven foreign markets, 109 meetings and delegations connecting businesses with potential partners, and new cooperation initiatives under development in 80 markets.
Cambodia
Saudi company Shamsan opened a branch in Cambodia during the first quarter, building on an earlier agreement to acquire two agarwood forests covering 150 million square meters for more than $1 billion.
The investment followed a visit by a Saudi-Cambodian Business Council delegation in August 2026. The federation highlighted the establishment of a commercial presence six months after the visit as a model it hopes to replicate through other business councils.
Sweden
The Saudi-Swedish Business Council supported Swedish healthcare group Medicover’s entry into the Kingdom, culminating in the launch of a project with an initial investment of 8 million euros ($9 million).
The company plans to increase that amount to 50 million euros ($56.3 million) by 2028.
The federation cited the venture as an example of how bilateral business relations can generate tangible investments and attract international healthcare companies to Saudi Arabia.
Portugal
The federation organized a business delegation to Portugal between August and September 2026, coinciding with Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel’s visit.
The mission included 18 meetings and field visits involving government agencies, economic institutions, healthcare providers, investors and research organizations.
It resulted in two memorandums of understanding between the federation and Portugal’s investment agency AICEP and the Portuguese Industrial Association-Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside four agreements between private companies from both countries.
The visit also advanced healthcare cooperation, including a memorandum between the two health ministries and discussions on digital health, biotechnology, medical devices and technology transfer and localization.
The number of Portuguese companies operating in Saudi Arabia has increased from around 24 to 60, with the federation seeking to build on that momentum.
Italy
In September, the federation hosted a senior Italian delegation from CDP Group in Riyadh, bringing together representatives of the group, SIMEST, Italian companies and relevant Saudi institutions.
The visit produced a memorandum of understanding with CDP establishing a framework for cooperation, business networking and the exchange of commercial and investment opportunities, supported by coordination and follow-up mechanisms.
Both sides also agreed to strengthen ties with SIMEST to assist Italian companies seeking to enter or expand in the Saudi market.
Further plans include cooperation between SIMEST and the bilateral business council, as well as integrating CDP’s Business Matching platform with the federation’s network to facilitate direct contacts between Saudi and Italian firms.
These arrangements aim to move beyond individual meetings toward sustained, structured business cooperation.
Algeria
A Saudi-Algerian Business Council delegation attended the 57th Algiers International Fair alongside eight Saudi companies to explore trade and investment prospects.
Bilateral discussions identified six opportunities that remain under follow-up.
China
The Saudi-Chinese Business Council continued to engage with embassies, government agencies and companies to identify priorities, address challenges and strengthen economic ties.
A strategic partnership agreement was signed to establish a factory in Sudair Industrial City specializing in compressed natural gas solutions and technologies, supporting Chinese technology transfer and localization in Saudi Arabia.
The council is also coordinating with relevant authorities to attract Chinese real estate developers and bring their expertise and practices to the Kingdom. The initiative remains under implementation, according to the report.
India
The Saudi-Indian Business Council established direct channels with the Indian Embassy, its commercial office and Indian government officials, aligning its work plan with shared priorities.
Discussions focused on investment prospects, visa facilitation for Saudi businesspeople and opportunities linked to Indian trade exhibitions.
The council also introduced businesses in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region to the Indian market and worked to activate sector-specific committees, register members and raise concerns with Indian counterparts.
France
Saudi-French business relations saw specialized sector activities, including the fourth hospitality networking event in September.
The gathering brought together tourism, investment and hospitality stakeholders to facilitate direct contacts between companies and relevant institutions.
Uzbekistan
During Health Minister Al-Jalajel’s visit to Uzbekistan in July, the Saudi-Uzbek Business Council participated in the signing of eight agreements and memorandums of understanding involving public and private healthcare institutions.
The visit also featured the announcement of a digital virtual hospital in Tashkent and a Saudi investment project to establish an 800-bed multidisciplinary medical center in the Fergana region.
