Saudi and Chinese Entities Sign 57 Agreements Worth 14 Billion Riyals in Agriculture, Water, and Environmental Sectors
The Saudi-Chinese Forum for Exporting Products and Sustainability in the Agricultural Sector has marked a significant step forward by facilitating the signing of 57 agreements and memoranda of understanding. This collaborative effort involved 36 Saudi entities and companies partnering with their Chinese counterparts, generating total investments that surpass 14 billion Riyals. Among these agreements, 26 specifically pertain to export activities to China, highlighting a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in the agricultural, water, and environmental sectors.
The forum took place in Beijing from May 12 to May 14, with the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadli. He led a delegation that included the Governor of the Saudi Food Security Authority, Engineer Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Faris, the Saudi Ambassador to China, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, and various experts in environmental sectors. The event attracted numerous officials and investors from the agricultural and food sectors in both nations.
During his opening remarks at the forum, which coincided with his official visit to China, Minister Al-Fadli emphasized the volume of trade between Saudi Arabia and China, which has exceeded 107 billion dollars. This figure underscores the strong and economically significant relationship between the two countries, with China accounting for 18% of Saudi Arabia’s total foreign trade. He noted that one of the primary aims of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is to enhance the trade balance and increase non-oil exports, with the Chinese market being a key focus for fostering partnerships.
According to the Minister, Saudi exports to China have expanded to encompass over 20 food products, with further opportunities available in related sectors such as water management, dam engineering, intensive livestock farming, poultry and its by-products, and fisheries—specifically in aquaculture. He expressed hope that interested Chinese investors in agricultural, environmental, and water sectors would visit Saudi Arabia to explore the available investment opportunities. Additionally, he acknowledged the substantial efforts made by the Saudi Embassy in China in building effective communication bridges with the private sector and facilitating access to data and support for investors. These endeavors have accelerated the tangible steps toward collaboration and partnership.
The forum commenced with discussions centered on mutual cooperation between the two countries, outlining Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in developing smart agriculture systems and enhancing food security through international market expansion, particularly in China. This forum serves as a crucial platform for bolstering bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China in agriculture and commerce, promoting the export of Saudi agricultural products, and exploring sustainability within this vital sector amidst environmental and economic challenges.
The agenda included speeches from representatives of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Saudi Chambers Federation, both of whom articulated their commitment to reinforcing trade and investment exchanges and emphasized the necessity of establishing long-term relationships that benefit the private sectors of both nations. Furthermore, the forum featured a Saudi exhibition showcasing products that have been authorized for entry into the Chinese markets.
The signed agreements encompass several projects spanning environmental, water, agricultural, and livestock sectors. Notably, these include knowledge exchange initiatives on water recycling, developing capacity-building programs, establishing seaweed cultivation stations, and producing biofuels and fertilizers. Advanced technologies, such as cloud computing for improved water treatment, are also integral to these agreements.
In addition, collaborations between various governmental and private entities from both nations are underway to develop a smart city focused on food security in Saudi Arabia, which will include integrated manufacturing facilities and logistics services. The goal is to establish a comprehensive city for basic and transformative industries in the Jazan region, thus enhancing supply chains and paving the way for new industrial investment opportunities linked to agriculture.
In the livestock sector, agreements among private-sector companies from both countries aim to establish modern poultry farms, enhance sheep production, and promote environmental recycling through the use of beehive and wool waste. Furthermore, advanced genetic development projects for shrimp and vertical farming are being explored.
One of the critical areas of focus for both parties is enhancing the export of Saudi products to the Chinese market, particularly dates, fresh fruits and vegetables, and bottled water. Several contracts have been signed between companies from both nations for the supply and distribution of these products within China.
The scope and nature of the agreements reflect the depth of the partnership between Saudi Arabia and China, showcasing both parties’ commitment to building a model for intelligent collaboration in food security and resource sustainability, ultimately supporting the aspirations outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
