الخريف يدشّن فعالية ‘يوم صناعي’ في مارينيان الفرنسية
Opening of "Industrial Day": A Strategic Move for Saudi Arabia’s Aviation Sector
On Monday, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khayrif, inaugurated the "Industrial Day" event hosted at Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, France. This significant gathering brought together suppliers from Airbus and Saudi Arabian aviation companies to explore collaborative opportunities within the aerospace sector and to bolster investment partnerships between the two parties.
In his opening address, Al Khayrif underscored the critical importance of the aviation sector as one of the leading advanced industrial areas that Saudi Arabia aims to localize and develop. This initiative aligns with the nation’s broader industrial strategy to diversify the economy in accordance with the objectives outlined in Vision 2030. The Minister emphasized Saudi Arabia’s ambition to accelerate the localization of the aviation industry and enhance its manufacturing capabilities.
Several essential factors were highlighted as instrumental in building a robust aviation industry in the Kingdom. These include the localization of advanced technologies, empowering the private sector, strengthening international partnerships, attracting promising investments, and leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic advantages. Among these advantages are its geographical location, competitive energy prices, rich mineral resources, and a young, capable workforce. Collectively, these elements are aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia into a global hub for aerospace manufacturing.
As he concluded his remarks, the Minister called upon Airbus Helicopters and its network of suppliers to broaden the horizons of collaboration with Saudi Arabia. This partnership is poised to fulfill a shared vision of establishing a sustainable and competitive aviation ecosystem.
The Kingdom has identified several promising sub-sectors within the aviation industry, which offer substantial investment opportunities estimated at 10 billion Saudi Riyals. These sectors include aircraft structural maintenance, component repair, and unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing. The strategy aims to quintuple the industrial gross domestic product (GDP)—projected to grow from $88 billion to $377 billion by 2035—by placing advanced manufacturing, particularly in aviation, at the core of its industrial transformation.
The opening of the "Industrial Day" event occurs during the Minister’s official visit to France, which aims to enhance industrial and mining cooperation and to explore shared investment opportunities across emerging industrial sectors, prominently featuring aviation and food production.
In essence, the event symbolizes a significant step toward establishing stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and leading global players in the aviation industry. By fostering collaboration in this cutting-edge sector, Saudi Arabia not only aims to modernize its industrial base but also to contribute to the global aerospace landscape. The proactive approach taken by the Saudi government, as articulated by Minister Al Khayrif, sets a clear trajectory for building a sustainable industrial future, leveraging both domestic and international resources for maximum impact.
Through strategic planning and targeted investments, the Kingdom aspires to enhance its role in the global aviation market, aligning its industrial goals with the ambitions of Vision 2030. The success of this endeavor will depend on continued collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to developing the necessary capabilities essential for the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry.
