Saudi Arabia aiming to drive up food exports, non-oil trade with China
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley has begun an official visit to China, heading a high-level delegation to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of environment, water, and food production.
The trip also focuses on boosting exports — particularly of over 20 new local food products— facilitating knowledge exchange, and promoting sustainable development and trade growth between the two countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports to China soared to SR3.68 billion ($980 million) in December, representing a 69.6 percent increase from the previous month, according to recent data from the General Authority for Statistics.
The SPA report said the minister's visit 'forms part of broader efforts to deepen Saudi-Chinese relations, attract strategic investments to the Kingdom, and explore mutual opportunities in the environment, water, agriculture, and livestock production sectors.'
Al-Fadley is scheduled to meet with Chinese ministers, senior officials, and leaders of major companies operating in key sectors.
The discussions will focus on exploring future partnership opportunities, transferring advanced technologies, and opening new opportunities in the Saudi market.
Al-Fadley will also participate in the Saudi-Chinese Forum on exporting Saudi products and sustaining the agricultural sector. The forum will bring together senior government and private sector representatives from both countries, including more than 80 Saudi businesspeople and investors.
GASTAT figures showed that in December, plastic and rubber products led Saudi exports to China with a value of SR1.12 billion, followed by chemical goods at SR1.11 billion and transport equipment at SR1.02 billion.
The Kingdom's non-oil shipments to China stood at SR2.17 billion in November, SR2.35 billion in October, and SR1.73 billion in September, reflecting a steady upward trend.
This sustained growth highlights the deepening economic ties between Riyadh and Beijing, with Saudi Arabia maintaining its role as China's top trading partner in the Middle East since 2001.
The increase in non-oil exports also signals tangible progress in the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts, as it works to reduce its longstanding dependence on oil revenues.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Argaam
4 hours ago
- Argaam
Trump pauses US-China tariff truce another 90 days
US Donald Trump has once again delayed implementing sweeping tariffs on China, announcing another 90-day pause just hours before the last agreement between the world's two largest economies was due to expire. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for higher tariffs on China until Nov. 9, CNBC reported, citing White House officials. 'We'll see what happens,' Trump told reporters at the White House. 'They've been dealing quite nicely – the relationship is very good with President Xi and myself.'
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa
Thai hospitality company Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Al-Ghadeer Group to operate dusitD2 Al-Ahsa — a new upper-upscale resort in the heart of Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal, and was attended by notable dignitaries including Naif Al-Madi, chief business officer of the Tourism Development Fund; Sheikh Bassem Al-Ghadeer, chairman of Al-Ghadeer Group of Companies; and Gilles Cretallaz, chief operating officer of Dusit International. Located just 30 minutes by car from Al-Ahsa International Airport and 90 minutes from Dammam, dusitD2 Al-Ahsa is set amidst palm-fringed landscapes and dramatic mountain vistas. The resort will offer 120 spacious suites, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom configurations, each with a private terrace and plunge pool, providing an elevated sense of privacy and relaxation. Designed by Cairo-based El-Ghoneimi Architects, the resort's masterplan draws inspiration from the desert's timeless beauty, the nearby mountains, and the life-giving symbolism of the palm tree. Guests will enjoy a comprehensive range of premium facilities, including a wellness center with private treatment rooms, meditation areas, and dedicated spaces for yoga and holistic healing; an elegant 1,500-square-meter ballroom and expansive outdoor event lawn for weddings and large social or corporate gatherings; well-equipped meeting rooms for business travelers; a vibrant all-day dining restaurant; a lobby café offering light gourmet fare; a large outdoor swimming pool with an adjoining kids' pool; and a dedicated kids club providing engaging activities in a safe and stimulating environment. Surrounded by cultural and ecological treasures such as Al-Qarah Mountain, Juatha Park, and the historic Qaisariah Souq, the resort is ideally positioned to serve as a gateway for domestic and international travelers seeking meaningful experiences and immersive stays amid the largest oasis in the world. 'This important signing reflects our strategic commitment to bringing Dusit's unique brand of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to key destinations worldwide and our dedication to delivering sustainable value for the communities we serve,' said Cretallaz. 'We are delighted to partner with Al-Ghadeer Group to create a destination that celebrates Al-Ahsa's rich heritage and natural beauty while offering exceptional comfort, modern luxury, responsible design, and memorable experiences for guests of all ages.' Set to open in 2027, dusitD2 Al-Ahsa underscores Dusit International's continued expansion in the Middle East, where the company currently operates nine properties and continues to explore opportunities to deliver holistic hospitality experiences across the region. It is the second Dusit-branded property confirmed for Saudi Arabia, following the upcoming opening of Dusit Princess Al-Majma'ah, Riyadh, scheduled for Q4 this year.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Jeddah governor receives Ghana's consul general
JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi received Ghana's Consul General Abdul Rahaman Adam at his office on Monday. The officials held discussions on topics of common interest. The Saudi leadership aims to boost ties with African countries at all levels. Last month, Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening cooperation and partnership with African countries, promoting trade and integration and enhancing consultation and coordination on shared issues. The minister described Africa as a continent of opportunities with natural resources, a young population and renewable potential. 'Africa hosts the largest number of Saudi diplomatic and consular missions, and the Kingdom intends to increase its embassies in Africa to more than 40 in the coming years,' he said.
