Saudi Arabia and Italy are poised to enhance their industrial and mining collaboration as Saudi Industry and Mineral Resources Minister, Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, visits Italy.
Beginning on October 14, Alkhorayef’s visit aims to explore joint opportunities in key sectors such as automotive, food, space, and marine industries. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national strategy for manufacturing development.
The trip, concluding on October 16, includes stops in Rome and Milan. It seeks to harness industrial innovations and attract investments into Saudi Arabia’s promising sectors, according to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
In 2023, Saudi non-oil exports to Italy reached SR2.8 billion ($747 million), while imports from Italy totaled SR21.8 billion.
During his visit, Alkhorayef will meet with government officials and private sector leaders, aiming to facilitate knowledge transfer and smart manufacturing solutions, strengthening economic ties between the nations.
He will meet Yousef Al-Mimni, vice chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, and engage with Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.
Discussions with Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises, will focus on enhancing industrial cooperation. Alkhorayef will also participate in a multilateral meeting with Confindustria, engaging with leaders like Barbara Cimmino, the federation’s vice president for export and investment attraction.
His agenda includes a meeting in Rome with Toni Piech of Piech Automotive and Pierroberto Folgiero of Fincantieri. In Milan, he will visit the Alessi Center, Leonardo’s aerospace division, and meet with its CEO.
Additionally, Alkhorayef will discuss strengthening ties with Attilio Fontana, president of Lombardy’s regional government, and meet Gianluca Di Tondo, CEO of Barilla, a leading food manufacturer.
