Saudi Arabia and France have expanded discussions on cooperation in the mining and industrial sectors as the Kingdom advances its Vision 2030 economic transformation agenda.
During the fourth Vision Golfe 2026 Forum in Paris, Engineer Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, Saudi Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, outlined Saudi Arabia’s progress in industrial development and mining while highlighting opportunities to strengthen Saudi-French partnerships across strategic sectors.
Speaking at the forum, Al-Mudaifer said that the Vision 2030 has improved the Kingdom’s investment environment through regulatory reforms, streamlined business procedures, and long-term economic planning.
The Vice Minister noted that the reforms have contributed to stronger industrial capabilities, increased private sector participation, and the creation of new opportunities for international investment and commercial partnerships.
Al-Mudaifer remarked that the Saudi economy recorded 4.5 percent growth in 2025, while foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows increased by 24 percent in 2024 compared with the previous year.
The private sector has increasingly contributed to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, supported by continued investments in infrastructure, logistics, and industrial development.
According to Al-Mudaifer, these developments reflect the implementation of Vision 2030 initiatives aimed at expanding non-oil economic activity and strengthening the Kingdom’s industrial base.
Al-Mudaifer highlighted the role of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) in supporting Saudi Arabia’s industrial strategy.
The program brings together the industrial, mining, energy, and logistics sectors under a unified framework to improve industrial competitiveness and strengthen supply chains.
Al-Mudaifer underscored that Saudi Arabia is a leading producer and exporter of phosphate and aluminum through industrial complexes in Ras Al-Khair and Waad Al-Shamal. The Kingdom has growing capabilities in titanium production and advanced manufacturing.
Image Credits: SPA | Cropped by GBN
Saudi-France cooperation in strategic industries
Al-Mudaifer emphasized that there is significant potential to expand cooperation between Saudi Arabia, France, and other European partners in mining and industrial development.
The closer collaboration would support investment and knowledge exchange in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, engineering, automation, sustainability, industrial technologies, and downstream industries while contributing to more resilient global supply chains.
The Vice Minister noted that the strategic partnership agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and France in December 2024 provides a framework for expanding bilateral cooperation in advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, industrial technologies, logistics, sustainability, finance, and investment.
Engineer Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer invited companies and stakeholders to participate in major events hosted by the Kingdom, including the Future Investment Initiative, LEAP Conference, and the Future Minerals Forum, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh from January 12 to 14, 2027.
On the sidelines of the forum, Al-Mudaifer met the French Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies, officials from the French Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM), and executives from Ginger SOFRECO and Eramet.
