Saudi Arabia and China Seal 57 Deals and MoUs Worth Over SAR 14 Billion

Saudi Arabia and China have deepened their economic partnership with the signing of 57 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between 36 Saudi entities and their Chinese counterparts at the Saudi-Chinese Forum on Exporting Saudi Products and Sustaining the Agricultural Sector, held in Beijing from May 12 to 14, 2025. The agreements, valued at over SAR 14 billion (approximately USD 3.73 billion), mark a significant step in bolstering bilateral trade and sustainable development.

Of the total, 26 agreements focus on exporting Saudi agricultural products, including dates, fruits, vegetables, and bottled water, to China’s vast consumer market, laying the foundation for a robust strategic alliance in agriculture, water, and environmental sectors.

The accords span transformative projects in environment, water, agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. Notable initiatives include knowledge-sharing for water recycling, human capacity-building programs, marine algae farming stations, biofuel and biofertilizer production, and the integration of cloud computing to enhance water treatment processes.

Significant agreements include the development of a smart food security city in Saudi Arabia, featuring advanced factories, laboratories, and logistics services, and a fully integrated industrial city in the Jazan region to strengthen agro-industrial supply chains. In livestock, private firms from both nations will collaborate on modern poultry farms, sheep industry development, and environmental recycling through beekeeping and wool waste utilization. Additional projects involve genetic advancements in shrimp breeds and vertical farming initiatives.

Private sector contracts were also signed to boost the supply and distribution of Saudi agricultural products in China, capitalizing on growing demand for premium goods.

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture hosted the forum, with Minister Abdulrahman AlFadley leading a high-level delegation. In his opening remarks, AlFadley highlighted that Saudi-Chinese trade exceeded USD 107 billion in 2024, with China accounting for 18% of the Kingdom’s foreign trade as its largest trading partner.

AlFadley emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 prioritizes non-oil export growth, with China as a key market for over 20 Saudi food products. He outlined further opportunities in water and dam projects, intensive livestock farming, aquaculture, downstream industries, agricultural recycling, and vegetation development, inviting Chinese investors to explore the Kingdom’s burgeoning investment landscape.

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy and enhance global trade ties, positioning the Kingdom as a leader in sustainable agricultural exports while fostering innovation through strategic partnerships with China.