Davos, January 22, 2025 – Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, engaged in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties with key international partners during his participation in the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Alkhorayef held separate meetings with Mpho Parks Tau, the South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Dr. T.R.B. Raja, the Minister of Industry, Investment Promotion, and Trade from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, to explore opportunities for cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors.
In his meeting with Minister Tau from South Africa, Alkhorayef focused on exploring potential investment opportunities in both the industrial and mining sectors, areas in which both Saudi Arabia and South Africa have significant interests and expertise. The two ministers also reviewed the progress of ongoing joint committees, established to enhance bilateral economic relations and develop mutually beneficial partnerships. They discussed strategies for increasing trade, boosting industrial collaboration, and advancing shared initiatives that support sustainable development in both nations. The talks highlighted the alignment of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 with South Africa's economic goals, particularly in the areas of resource extraction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
During his meeting with Dr. Raja of Tamil Nadu, Alkhorayef explored ways to further elevate industrial cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the Indian state. Both parties reviewed potential investment opportunities and discussed how they could jointly work towards building robust partnerships across various industrial sectors. The discussion also touched on the state of Tamil Nadu’s rapidly growing economy and the opportunities it presents for Saudi investments in key areas such as manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. The two sides acknowledged the significant potential for collaboration, with both Saudi Arabia and Tamil Nadu aiming to benefit from mutual growth through increased industrial cooperation.
Minister Alkhorayef's participation in the World Economic Forum’s high-level delegation underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international economic relationships and forge strategic partnerships that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. The meetings served as a platform to discuss the future of industrial and mining collaborations with key global stakeholders and further integrate Saudi Arabia into the global economy as a hub for investment and innovation.
As the WEF continues to bring together business and political leaders from around the world, Alkhorayef’s discussions reflect the Kingdom’s proactive approach to fostering economic ties, expanding investment opportunities, and driving forward a diversified and sustainable economic future through partnerships with countries and regions of strategic importance.