Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef recently concluded an official visit to Italy, where he engaged in bilateral meetings with government officials and private sector leaders to strengthen economic relations and industrial and mining cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Italy. The discussions during the visit focused on 12 promising industrial sectors and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s national industrial strategy, strategic geographical location, advanced infrastructure, and energy availability. Alkhorayef emphasized the incentives and services available for Italian companies looking to invest in the Kingdom, showcasing the potential for collaboration and growth between the two countries.
In Rome, Alkhorayef met with Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Ambassador to Italy, and the Vice President of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, Yousef El Maimani. The discussions with Italian ministers and officials centered on clean and renewable energy solutions, attracting Italian mining companies to invest in Saudi Arabia, and leveraging Italy’s industrial innovation experience. Key Italian government figures, including the Minister of Environment and Energy Security and the Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, were also part of the meetings to explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.
The visit also included engagements with private sector leaders from major Italian companies such as Fincantieri, Piëch, Leonardo, AlmavivA, and Barilla. The discussions with these companies revolved around localizing strategic industries in Saudi Arabia, including aviation, electric cars, shipbuilding, and food manufacturing. The roundtable meetings and discussions in Rome provided a platform for sharing insights and exploring potential partnerships in various sectors that could lead to mutual growth and development.
Minister Alkhorayef’s participation in the COMOLAKE 2024 conference in Rome included delivering a speech on the importance of international cooperation for sustainable industrial development. He highlighted the significance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in driving innovation and progress within the industry. Additionally, Alkhorayef extended an invitation to Italian officials and business leaders to participate in the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) scheduled to take place in Riyadh in January 2025, emphasizing the value of continued dialogue and engagement to foster a conducive environment for economic cooperation and growth.
Overall, the official visit to Italy by Minister Alkhorayef served as a platform for exploring opportunities to enhance economic relations and industrial and mining cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Italy. The discussions with government officials, private sector leaders, and key Italian companies focused on identifying areas of mutual interest and collaboration in various industrial sectors. By showcasing Saudi Arabia’s industrial strategy, infrastructure, and incentives for foreign investment, the visit aimed to strengthen ties and pave the way for future partnerships that would benefit both countries economically and industrially. The emphasis on sustainable development, clean energy solutions, and leveraging Italy’s expertise in industrial innovation underscored the commitment to fostering a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations.
