Saudi investment minister highlights new global supply-chain landscape at UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh

📷SPA

RIYADH, November 25, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said global industrial production is shifting away from a small number of concentrated hubs toward regionally connected industrial clusters, creating a new landscape for supply chains and offering expanded opportunities for investment.

Speaking at the 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference (GC21) in Riyadh — held under the title Global Industry Summit 2025 — Al-Falih said supply chains are being reorganized worldwide, enabling countries to position themselves as competitive industrial centers. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia has become a key pillar in the reshaping of global supply chains, supported by its strategic location, quality resources and ambitious economic reforms.

Al-Falih said the conference comes at a pivotal moment as the global economy experiences changes in trade and investment patterns, accelerating industrial technologies, and growing sustainability demands. He highlighted the Middle East’s resource base, noting that the region holds nearly half of global proven oil reserves, 40% of confirmed gas reserves, and significant shares of critical minerals including 79% of cobalt, 44% of manganese and 21% of graphite.

He noted that the region is transitioning from being perceived primarily as a provider of energy and capital to becoming a platform for industrial and technological investment, enabled by its human, natural and financial potential. Despite accounting for 6% of the global population and 5% of global trade, the Middle East and North Africa currently attract only 3% of global investment, he said.

Al-Falih reiterated that economic diversification is a central priority under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to broaden growth sources, promote innovation and empower youth — who comprise two-thirds of the population and are globally connected with strong entrepreneurial capacity.

The minister outlined the Kingdom’s strategic transformation pathways, including advanced manufacturing, mining and downstream petrochemicals, supported by estimated mineral reserves valued at around $2.5 trillion. He also highlighted progress in clean energy, blue and green hydrogen, and the development of competitive renewable energy assets.

Saudi Arabia aims to become a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2030, Al-Falih said, with the digital economy expected to contribute 19% of GDP. He noted the Kingdom’s top global rankings in digital infrastructure and technology indicators.

Venture capital activity increased 158% to reach $1.3 billion in the third quarter of the year, and more than 2,500 innovative entrepreneur registrations have been issued to global founders seeking to operate in the Kingdom.

Al-Falih also referenced rapid expansion in tourism, hospitality, culture and heritage through flagship projects such as AlUla, Diriyah and Red Sea Global, which he said are becoming major drivers of economic growth and job creation. He pointed to expanded regional partnerships with Egypt, India, Pakistan and the Levant, as well as the success of the regional headquarters program attracting multinational companies.

He noted that Saudi Arabia’s financial markets have strengthened significantly, with sovereign wealth capital reaching about $1.5 trillion. Since the launch of Vision 2030, GDP has doubled, non-oil sector contribution has risen to 56%, and gross fixed capital formation has more than doubled, surpassing strategic targets by 50%. Foreign direct investment inflows and stock have also quadrupled.

Al-Falih said Saudi Vision 2030 has been built on international partnerships from the outset, with UNIDO playing a key role in building capacity, strengthening industrial policy and supporting sectoral development.

He concluded by emphasizing that “the best way to build the future is through bold, responsible and collaborative investment,” expressing the Kingdom’s pride in its international partnerships and its commitment to advancing a sustainable and prosperous global future.