The “Saudi–French joint committee” reflects the common ambition to strengthen the Franco-Saudi strategic partnership and deepen our special relationship through the improvement of France’s trade and investment relationship and the identification of a new cooperation prospects within the framework of the National Transformation Program 2020 adopted by the Kingdom to implement the Saudi Vision 2030.
More than 600 people took part in the first Saudi-French business forum in Paris.
The second one in October 2015 was organized in Riyadh with the presence of French Prime Minister Manuel Valls.
More than 2000 participants were registered and 130 French firms came to the event: It was the biggest business delegation to visit the Kingdom.
They have shown a real interest in the Saudi market. The third one should take place next fall.
Indeed, France supports the Vision 2030. It is the occasion to show another face of the Saudi-French partnership by providing know-how transfer and capacity building.
For example, France works on energy but also in transportation: In their offer for the Makkah Metro Project, Alstom has included a proposal to build a regional hub in the Kingdom for the transportation industry. It means France is keen to promote localization.
French groups are dedicated to hire more and more young Saudi nationals and to welcome more students.
Furthermore, France is the first touristic destination in the world that draws more than 80 million tourists per year and tourism industry is another field of common interest to discuss.
Financial services are another field of French excellence that has to be shown in the Kingdom and can also contribute to achieve the target of “a country of investment”.
During Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit in Paris in last June, France and the Kingdom discussed several contracts and agreements in various fields such as defense, energy, health care, agriculture, transportation and infrastructure, culture, education and sport as well as sciences and technology, information, environment, housing, tourism and heritage.
A certain numbers of agreements and contracts are expected to be signed during the next session of the “Saudi – French joint committee”.
2016 Statistics of bilateral trade between France and Saudi Arabia
Although it is too early to announce statistics for 2016, it can be said that the bilateral trade between France and the Kingdom is going well.
As far as 2015 is concerned, France’s exports to Saudi Arabia increased by 6 percent up to 3.1 billion euros.
Conversely, our imports contracted by 25 percent to 5.3 billion euros because of the lower oil price.
With $15.3 billion of French foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saudi Arabia, France is the third biggest investor in the Kingdom.
More than 80 French subsidiaries have an active presence in Saudi Arabia, and most of the big groups of CAC40 (Paris Index) are represented in the Kingdom.
They employ about 27.600 people, including 10 000 Saudi nationals, a Saudization rate of 36 percent much higher than the average of the Saudi economy (16 percent).
Twenty-four Saudi companies are located in France (mostly by acquiring existing entities).
They employ 3200 persons directly and achieve a combined turnover of approximately EUR 350 million.
Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Plan will offer a lot of opportunities to develop new partnerships in many different fields: from tourism and culture to mining, including energy, transportation, agriculture, health, housing and many more, France is committed to bring the best of its technologies and know-how to accompany the Kingdom in its ambitious transformation program and to make it a success.
Paris can offer its expertise in privatization programs, especially in the water sector to Saudi Arabia.
Indeed France has long experience in PPP and privatization as it was the first country in the world to implement PPP in the 19th century with the first concessions for the water distribution networks.
French companies and state entities also have a long experience in privatization since the beginning of the 80s. France was at that time in the same configuration as the Kingdom today and can now share experiences in many fields such as energy, water, transportation and IT services for example.
An institutional cooperation could be implemented with ministries and national agencies.
France is one of the largest European countries that import large quantities of oil from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is first partner of Paris in the region and France is one of the leading European countries importing Saudi crude.
French imports are mainly composed of oil and oil products and France’s bilateral trade is in favor of the Kingdom.
Saudi investments in France
One of France’s priorities is to increase and diversify Saudi investments in France which total less than 1 billion euros, and are mostly directed toward real estate.
France is the leading destination for foreign investment in industry and the fourth largest FDI receiver in the world.
The entrepreneurial and innovation policy is also proving effective, since France has been ranked as the leading country for R&D support and for newly founded businesses.
By easing the entrepreneurial process and fostering innovation, the French industry offers a lot of different investment opportunities for Saudi investors (public and private), and represents a major know-how transfer potential in a long term cooperation perspective.
French companies ready to participate in Saudi Arabia’s needs for solar plants.
Indeed, Energy sector is a cornerstone of our strategic partnership.
Various French companies are willing to work with Saudi Aramco, Saudi Electricity Company and KACARE.
Many delegations came to the Kingdom in order to work on renewable energy especially for solar projects.
The role of France to reduce carbon impact all over the planet must be reminded. Indeed, the COP 21 was a great success and Paris is determined to pursue those efforts by offering the best solutions. TOTAL, EdF and numerous groups already made proposals to work on solar investments.
Saudi housing projects
In this framework, French companies can also contribute to the Saudi housing projects by bringing their experience (delivery housing units on an industrial scale since the 50s), knowhow (rich eco-system of companies) and new technologies (smart cities, Internet of things, good build materials, etc…) in order to tackle the growing need of housing units in the Kingdom but also to have energy efficient units.
To build smart should be as important as to build quick and affordable.
France can contribute to the changing landscape of subsidies as described in the National Transformation Plan.
Thus, cheaper access to housing units for nationals of low and middle income categories will not comply with the Vision 2030 if these units perform poorly in operating cost notably for the end user when he will have to pay for electricity and water.
A common ambition to strengthen Saudi-French strategic partnership
A common ambition to strengthen Saudi-French strategic partnership
Riyadh fintech forum ‘a turning point’ in Swiss-Saudi partnership
RIYADH: The Switzerland Embassy in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and Fintech Saudi organized the first Saudi-Swiss Fintech Forum in Riyadh.
Swiss and Saudi experts took part in the event on Nov. 25-26 under the theme “Connecting Leaders across Borders.”
The forum provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and the rethinking of traditional financial models.
Switzerland is an established financial hub and Saudi Arabia has the largest financial services industry in the Middle East.
Swiss Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen, said the forum marked a turning point in the development of the partnership between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.
Nezar Al-Haidar, CEO of Fintech Saudi, said the collaboration between Fintech Saudi and its Swiss counterparts creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, and paves the way for access to new markets.
The leaders are working to make Saudi Arabia a global fintech hub, and this collaboration deepens the ties between our ecosystems, he added.
Arab News met Saudi and Swiss experts at the forum, who discussed finance, market opportunities and the importance of Swiss expertise in Saudi Arabia’s fintech development.
Yazeed Al-Shamsi, co-founder and CEO of Ejari, said: “Our perception of Swiss cooperation is positive. Fintech is the sector that has received the most funding in Saudi Arabia in the last three or four years. There is still room for growth.”
Al-Shamsi said that the banking and insurance sectors contribute significantly to gross domestic product, and there are still opportunities in wealth management, investment, financing, and alternative financing.
Abdulmajeed Al-Askar, CEO of MoneyMoon, told Arab News that Saudi companies see Swiss-Saudi cooperation as a chance to bridge two diverse but complementary markets.
Switzerland has a long history of financial expertise, while Saudi Arabia is becoming a hub of entrepreneurial energy and digital adoption.
This collaboration is about building long-term partnerships that enable both sides to innovate and scale faster, Al-Askar said.
Saudi Arabia has many talented financial leaders and professionals, he added.
“By combining expertise with a forward-thinking approach, we can create an ecosystem that sets new benchmarks. Saudi Arabian leaders can design solutions tailored to the population’s needs. With new talent, we are creating an entirely new financial paradigm for the region.”
Eva Selamlar, head of the Swiss Financial Innovation Office, said that Swiss companies can contribute their expertise to help Saudi Vision 2030.
Andreas Iten, CEO of Tinety, said: “There are many opportunities in this market. The regulatory framework is favorable, so Swiss companies should look at it because there are great opportunities and a big need for digital solutions.”
The forum explored the opportunity for Switzerland and the Kingdom to advance their ambitions in the financial technology sector, in line with Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia sends 25th relief plane to Lebanon
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s 26th relief aircraft loaded with humanitarian aid including food, medical supplies and shelter equipment arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Thursday, state news agency SPA reported.
The plane, operated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh earlier in the day as part of a continuing effort to transport hundreds of tonnes of medical supplies and food aid for Lebanese families displaced by the conflict.
A earlier statement from the Saudi aid agency KSrelief said the aid deliveries showed that the Kingdom was “standing with needy and affected countries … in the face of crises and difficulties.”
Saudi foreign minister arrives in Kuwait for ministerial meeting for Gulf Supreme Council
KUWAIT: Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Kuwait on Thursday ahead of the ministerial meeting for the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf.
The preparatory ministerial meeting is set to discuss the agenda of the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf which is scheduled for next Sunday in Kuwait City. Leaders from all over the Gulf will attend the meeting.
The minister was welcomed by his counterpart Abdullah Al-Yahya.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates Riyadh Metro project
- Riyadh Metro network includes six train lines measuring 176 km and 85 stations
- Metro will be open to public from Dec. 1, operate daily from 6am to midnight
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurated the Riyadh Metro project on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The project is considered the backbone of the public transport network in Riyadh, SPA said.
King Salman watched an introductory film about the project, which is distinguished by its exceptional design and technical specifications.
The Riyadh Metro consists of a network that includes six train lines measuring 176 km and 85 stations, including four main stations.
“The Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, is the culmination of concerted efforts made by King Salman and the outcome of his visionary leadership while serving as the Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, the predecessor of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said.
The Public Transport Project in Riyadh City was launched based on various studies prepared by the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh.
The studies considered the current and future needs of the public transport sector in the capital and identified the best solutions and options for establishing a sustainable public transport system that is compatible with the city and its characteristics.
The metro will begin to be available for public use from Dec. 1 and will operate daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
The lines will open over the next two months in stages — with the blue, yellow and purple lines opening on Dec. 1, the red and green lines opening on Dec. 15, and the orange line opening on Jan. 5, 2025.
Following the announcement, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb posted on X: “Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may Allah protect him, the #RiyadhMetro project was inaugurated — reflecting the leadership’s commitment during this prosperous era to enhancing Riyadh’s infrastructure and raising the quality of life in the city.
“This aligns with the goals of #SaudiVision2030, further establishing the city’s position as a tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world.”
Abeer Al-Shehri, a Riyadh-based lawyer, told Arab News that the new metro would cut the time she spent in traffic and the number of postponed appointments.
“As a lawyer, my profession involves fieldwork at courts, the Public Prosecution and police stations. Sometimes I have to attend sessions at the office while also having two important appointments to attend,” she said.
“With the traffic, there’s not enough time for both, so I’m forced to postpone one. Additionally, client meetings at the company’s office often take place around noon, and it’s well known that at that time, it’s impossible to reach the location within an hour without being late.
“This forces me to leave at least an hour earlier. The metro will significantly improve the time wasted in traffic, and as a lawyer, it will allow me to commute back and forth to the office in record time.”
Riyadh resident Faisal Suliman Al-Anzy told Arab News that he was “happy and excited” about Wednesday’s announcement.
He plans to use the metro “for visiting friends, (especially at) the weekend when there are traffic jams everywhere.”
Saudi official elected vice chair of organization that sets standards for global food trade
- Saudi Food and Drug Authority says selection of Khalid Al-Zahrani by Codex Alimentarius Commission is a ‘milestone’ and ‘testament to our commitment to global food safety
- Al-Zahrani has represented the Kingdom on several international committees, including at the World Trade Organization
RIYADH: Saudi official Khalid Al-Zahrani was chosen on Wednesday to be vice chair of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which sets the standards for the international food trade that are designed to ensure products are safe and protect consumer health.
Representatives of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority who were present for the vote at the commission’s 47th annual session in Geneva, Switzerland, congratulated Al-Zahrani on his election.
“This is a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia and a testament to our commitment to global food safety and standards,” said Hisham Aljadhey, the authority’s CEO.
“By assuming the role of vice chair of Codex, (Saudi Arabia) aims to further strengthen international collaboration, promote sustainable food practices and ensure the well-being of consumers worldwide.”
Al-Zahrani has served as the Codex chairperson for the Near East region since 2020 and was reelected to the position in 2023.
He also represented Saudi Arabia on several international committees, including the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade, the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization, and the International Organization for Standardization’s Food Products Committee.
He works closely with the Kingdom’s Food and Drug Authority, which aims to prioritize sustainability and enhance efficiency, inclusiveness and transparency within food systems. The authority was recognized in January by the World Health Organization as one of the first five countries in the world to eliminate the use of industrially produced trans fats in food, alongside Denmark, Lithuania, Poland and Thailand.
“Al-Zahrani’s election highlights the exceptional quality of Saudi staff at the SFDA and the authority's efforts in food-safety legislation and oversight,” the authority said.
The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for “Food Code”) is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines and other recommendations related to food production, labeling and safety, published by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the WHO.
