At the 2025 Al-Khobar Investment Forum, a key platform for fostering international industrial partnerships, Saudi Arabia and China have deepened their collaboration in the food and feed sectors, underscoring a shared vision for economic growth and innovation. This partnership is poised to drive Saudi Arabia’s ambitious industrial expansion and advance its global trade position, in line with Vision 2030’s broader economic transformation goals.
Khalil bin Salama, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industry Affairs, met with senior executives from leading Chinese companies during the forum to discuss opportunities for joint ventures and long-term industrial development in the Kingdom. The meeting was a significant step towards expanding the strategic relationship between the two countries, particularly in the key sectors of food production and animal feed. This collaborative effort also aligns with the Kingdom’s drive to diversify its industrial base and strengthen its supply chains to meet domestic and international demand.
Enhancing Saudi Arabia’s Industrial Strategy in Partnership with China
In his remarks at the forum, bin Salama outlined the vision of the National Industrial Strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in global manufacturing by fostering a flexible and sustainable industrial economy. “The goal is to build an economy that is not only resilient to external shocks but also one that can leverage the strengths of the private sector to create a competitive edge in global markets,” said bin Salama.
The National Industrial Strategy’s focus on quadrupling the industrial sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2035 reflects a broader aim to accelerate industrial diversification. According to bin Salama, this strategy will also prioritize improving the competitiveness of local products on the global stage and strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, particularly in food and feed sectors.
This ambitious roadmap was evident in the discussions held between Saudi and Chinese business leaders, who explored potential areas of collaboration in food production, including the manufacturing of animal feed. The forum was an opportunity for Chinese companies to present their advanced technologies and experience, which could be integrated into Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding food and agriculture industries.
Al-Khobar: A Growing Hub for Food and Feed Production
The region of Al-Khobar, a key economic zone located in the Eastern Province, continues to emerge as a prime destination for industrial investment. Bin Salama highlighted the region’s wealth of opportunities, especially in food security projects aimed at bolstering both domestic supply chains and exports. Saudi Arabia’s increasing demand for ready-made and frozen food products offers significant potential for local manufacturers, while also opening export avenues to international markets.
One of the highlights of the forum was the launch of the “Golden Star” compound feed factory in Al-Khobar’s industrial city. Spanning nearly 5,000 square meters, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to support the growing feed industry, which plays a vital role in ensuring the Kingdom’s food security. The factory is also expected to contribute to the development of animal husbandry, which is an integral part of the Kingdom’s broader agricultural goals.
The factory’s inauguration underscores the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources’ commitment to fostering industrial projects that enhance the Kingdom’s agricultural and food production capabilities, ensuring that the country can meet its growing demand for food and related products.
Expanding Industrial Horizons: Food Security and Chemical Industries
Bin Salama also pointed out the significant investment opportunities in Al-Khobar’s food processing sector. With Saudi Arabia’s focus on increasing its food security, local initiatives have been ramping up to improve production capacity and foster more sustainable farming practices. The forum discussions also explored innovative solutions to address food processing, packaging, and supply chain challenges, with China’s expertise in these areas seen as crucial to enhancing the Kingdom’s capabilities.
Moreover, Al-Khobar is positioning itself as a potential center for chemical and specialty industries, including plastics and adhesives. The region’s expanding industrial base, combined with strong investment in infrastructure, makes it an attractive hub for the manufacturing of raw materials used in various other industries, further strengthening the Kingdom’s industrial ecosystem.
Safety Standards and Industry Compliance: Ensuring Sustainable Growth
As Saudi Arabia continues to attract investment in its industrial sectors, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has placed a significant focus on ensuring that all industrial facilities meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. In line with this commitment, the ministry mandates that all industrial facilities obtain safety licenses from the Civil Defense, ensuring that businesses adhere to the highest safety protocols.
The Ministry has also set forth regulations requiring the implementation of emergency exit systems, fire protection measures, and proper storage practices for raw materials and products, in line with international best practices. These measures are designed to safeguard both workers and facilities and ensure sustainable growth for the sector.
To ensure the continued compliance of industrial facilities, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources conducted more than 1,000 field inspections across Saudi Arabia in December 2024. These visits, carried out by the Ministry’s General Administration of Branches, are part of a broader initiative to monitor factory readiness, assess safety conditions, and ensure adherence to quality standards. The inspections are vital in maintaining the Kingdom’s industrial integrity and ensuring that all facilities are operating at peak efficiency.
A Collaborative Future
The partnership between Saudi Arabia and China at the Al-Khobar Investment Forum marks the beginning of a new phase of industrial collaboration between the two countries. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 objectives, these partnerships will be crucial in fostering sustainable economic growth, particularly in sectors that are essential to the Kingdom’s future—such as food security, manufacturing, and industrial innovation.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources remains committed to supporting this vision by facilitating investments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering partnerships that help shape Saudi Arabia’s industrial future. As both countries deepen their collaboration in food production and animal feed, the benefits of these partnerships are expected to reverberate across multiple industries, furthering the Kingdom’s position as a global industrial leader.
