Prime Highlights

• Saudi Arabia is boosting cooperation with European partners in pharmaceuticals, trade, and critical minerals.
• The initiative supports Vision 2030 goals to localise high-tech manufacturing and build resilient supply chains.

Key Facts

• Minister Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef met Sanofi in Lyon and EU officials including Maroš Šefčovič, in Brussels.
• Talks focused on trade flows, critical minerals, and joint investments to secure materials for advanced industries and energy transition technologies.

Background

Saudi Arabia is stepping up industrial cooperation with European partners in pharmaceuticals, trade, and critical minerals following high-level meetings in France and Belgium led by Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef.

In Lyon, the minister held talks with Sanofi to explore plans to localise vaccine and biopharmaceutical manufacturing in the Kingdom. The discussions covered research, production processes, and quality standards. Saudi Arabia wants to build its own medical manufacturing capacity and improve health security.

AlKhorayef also visited Benta Group, where he reviewed the company’s pharmaceutical production capabilities and discussed potential investment and technology transfer opportunities.

The France meetings form part of efforts to attract high-value investments and support the localisation of strategic industries under Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Strategy.

In Brussels, the minister met Dubravka Šuica and Maroš Šefčovič to discuss trade flows, economic security and cooperation on critical minerals. The leaders focused on connecting their industrial supply chains, making sure they have a steady supply of important minerals, and increasing joint investments in key sectors.

Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a reliable partner in global supply chains while securing access to materials needed for advanced industries and energy transition technologies.

European leaders discussed how to build stronger economic ties between their countries. They also talked about working more closely together on trade and industry policies as global markets continue to change.

The minister’s tour highlights Saudi Arabia’s push to deepen international partnerships, localise high-tech manufacturing and build resilient supply chains as it diversifies its economy beyond oil.