Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef recently embarked on an official visit to Chile, along with Deputy Minister of Industry for Mining Affairs Eng. Khaled Al-Mudaifer and other leaders in Saudi Arabia’s industry and mining sectors. The purpose of the visit is to enhance cooperation in these fields, transfer innovative technologies, and gain insights into the Chilean experience with lithium production and aircraft manufacturing. This visit includes meetings with key officials in Chile, such as Minister of Mining Aurora Williams, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Gloria Gonzalez, and Deputy Minister of Economy, Development and Tourism Nicolas Veloso. Additionally, Al-Khorayef will participate in a roundtable meeting with leaders of the Chilean Industrial Federation (SOFOFA) and meet with heads of major mining companies and ENAER, an aircraft manufacturer.
Chile holds the title of being the world’s second-largest producer of lithium, a crucial mineral used in electric car batteries. With Saudi Arabia experiencing significant growth in the production of electric vehicles, the visit to Chile presents an opportunity for both countries to exchange knowledge and technical expertise in this industry. The volume of Saudi non-oil exports to Chile in 2023 reached SR700 million, with major exports including metals, plastics, rubber, chemicals, and polymers. On the other hand, total imports from Chile to Saudi Arabia were valued at SR500 million, with agricultural and food products and wood being the main imports. This visit to Chile follows a significant trip to Brazil that Minister Al-Khorayef concluded just before heading to Chile.
Minister Al-Khorayef’s visit to Brazil, which took place on July 22, aimed to strengthen joint investments, promote sustainable development, and enhance economic diversification, particularly within the industry and mining sectors. The visit to Chile builds upon these efforts and seeks to establish deeper collaboration between Chile and Saudi Arabia in the industry and mining sectors. The Saudi delegation, led by Al-Khorayef, is eager to explore opportunities for cooperation, share best practices, and gain valuable insights from Chilean experts in lithium production and aircraft manufacturing. Through these interactions, both countries can advance their respective industries and contribute to the global economy.
The official visit to Chile includes a series of meetings with key Chilean officials, including the Minister of Mining, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Deputy Minister of Economy, Development, and Tourism. These meetings will provide a platform for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and exploration of potential areas for collaboration. Additionally, Al-Khorayef will engage with leaders of the Chilean Industrial Federation and heads of major mining companies, as well as visit ENAER, a prominent aircraft manufacturer in Chile. These interactions aim to foster partnerships, promote knowledge-sharing, and pave the way for mutual growth and development in the industry and mining sectors.
Chile’s position as a global leader in lithium production and Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in the electric vehicle industry create a fertile ground for collaboration and innovation between the two countries. By leveraging each other’s strengths, expertise, and resources, Chile and Saudi Arabia can drive advancements in the industry and mining sectors, as well as contribute to sustainable development and economic diversification. This visit underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthening ties, fostering innovation, and achieving mutual progress in key industries that are vital for the future of global economy. Minister Al-Khorayef’s visit to Chile signifies a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries and sets the stage for enhanced cooperation and partnership in the years to come.
