China and Saudi Arabia are strengthening ties in agriculture and sustainable development, highlighted by a major forum in Beijing that brought together over 600 government and industry representatives from both countries.
During the China (Beijing)-Saudi Arabia Forum on Agricultural Industry and Sustainable Development, more than 70 cooperation agreements were signed between Chinese and Saudi organizations, with deals valued at over $4 billion, according to official sources. These agreements focus on green technology, smart equipment, biotechnology, seed research, and cross-border supply chains.
His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, emphasized that this collaboration is a key driver for expanding economic and trade relations, and aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy for economic diversification. He highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation to maximize mutual benefits in the agricultural sector.
Zhang Jianwei, Party Secretary of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-Council, noted that China and Saudi Arabia are each other’s largest trading partners in their respective regions, with bilateral trade reaching $107.23 billion in 2023, according to official data. He stressed the need for stronger international partnerships to modernize agriculture and ensure food security.
Beijing’s advanced agricultural infrastructure and research capabilities were also highlighted, with a 75 percent contribution rate from agricultural science and technology progress, according to local officials. Recent efforts have focused on modern seed industries, smart agriculture, and building a collaborative innovation ecosystem.
Osama Kokandy, a member of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council, pointed to the strategic alignment between the two nations, particularly in food security and technology. He noted growing interest from Saudi companies in partnering with Chinese firms and highlighted the global potential of Saudi agricultural products, such as dates, in the Chinese market.
While agriculture was the main focus, both sides acknowledged that cooperation extends to other sectors, including manufacturing, technology, and mining.
In summary, the forum underscored a deepening partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, with significant investments and agreements aimed at driving sustainable agricultural growth and broader economic cooperation.
