Riyadh: Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer reviewed the Kingdom's economic transformation under Vision 2030 during his participation in the fourth Vision Golfe 2026 Forum in Paris. He highlighted key achievements in the industrial and mining sectors and outlined opportunities to expand Saudi-French cooperation across several strategic sectors.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Mudaifer noted that Vision 2030 has driven a significant transformation in the Kingdom's investment environment by facilitating business operations, enhancing competitiveness, and increasing global investment attractiveness through continued reforms, high-quality investments, and long-term planning. He said these efforts have contributed to economic diversification, stronger industrial capabilities, and new opportunities for international partnerships.
He pointed out that the Saudi economy recorded growth of 4.5% in 2025, while foreign direct investment inflows increased by 24% in 2024 compared with the previous year. He also highlighted the growing contribution of the private sector to gross domestic product, as well as rising investments in infrastructure, logistics, and industrial development.
Al-Mudaifer underscored the role of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) in advancing the Kingdom's industrial ambitions. He said the program integrates industry, mining, energy, and logistics within a unified strategic framework. He explained that it has strengthened industrial capabilities, enhanced local value chains, improved logistics connectivity, and increased the competitiveness of Saudi products in international markets.
He emphasized that the Kingdom's vision extends beyond developing mineral resources to building integrated industrial value chains that support sustainable economic and industrial growth. In this context, he highlighted Saudi Arabia's leading position in phosphate and aluminum production and exports, concentrated in Ras Al-Khair and Waad Al-Shamal. He also noted the Kingdom's expanding capabilities in titanium production and advanced manufacturing.
Al-Mudaifer stressed the importance of deeper cooperation between Saudi Arabia, France, and other European partners. He said such cooperation would strengthen the resilience of global supply chains and help capitalize on opportunities in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, engineering, automation, sustainability, technology, and downstream industries.
He noted that the strategic partnership agreement signed between Saudi Arabia and France in December 2024 provides a framework for expanding cooperation in advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, industrial technologies, logistics, sustainability, finance, and investment. Concluding his remarks, Al-Mudaifer highlighted the growing importance of global platforms hosted by the Kingdom as channels for dialogue, investment, innovation, and business development in strategic sectors. He invited investors and stakeholders to engage with the Kingdom's development agenda through participation in major events such as the Future Investment Initiative, LEAP Conference, and the Future Minerals Forum, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from January 12 to 14, 2027.
On the sidelines of the forum, Al-Mudaifer held meetings with 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. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation, investment partnerships, and advancing shared priorities in the mining, industrial, and critical minerals sectors.
