RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a significant boost to bilateral ties, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources Chief Advisor Anbas Al-Kandil expressed keen interest in welcoming Chinese new energy companies to the Kingdom. Speaking on January 10 in the capital, Al-Kandil highlighted the eagerness to deepen cooperation in low-carbon transitions and key sectors to support Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030.
The statement comes amid growing momentum in global green energy partnerships. Al-Kandil, who recently visited China, was particularly impressed by the rapid development of China’s new energy vehicle industry. ‘We warmly welcome Chinese firms to conduct business and invest in Saudi Arabia,’ he told journalists from China’s Xinhua news agency during the event.
Adding to the excitement, China’s leading battery giant CATL launched its first and largest new energy after-sales service center in the Middle East, named the ‘Ningde’ Service Experience Center, right here in Riyadh on the same day. This state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance after-sales services for Chinese new energy products across the region. It promises comprehensive ‘full life cycle’ support for electrification and energy storage applications, marking a milestone in regional green tech infrastructure.
This development aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s drive to diversify its economy beyond oil. Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizes renewable energy, sustainability, and technological innovation. By partnering with Chinese leaders like CATL, known for its cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries powering electric vehicles worldwide, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a hub for green investments in the Middle East.
Experts see this as a win-win. Chinese companies gain access to lucrative markets and vast opportunities in the Gulf, while Saudi Arabia benefits from advanced technology transfers and expertise. As global demand for clean energy surges, such collaborations could accelerate the Kingdom’s transition to a low-carbon future, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening energy security.
The launch event drew attention from industry stakeholders, underscoring the strategic importance of Sino-Saudi relations in the new energy era. With China’s dominance in battery production and Saudi Arabia’s massive investment funds like the Public Investment Fund (PIF), future projects could include joint ventures in solar, wind, and EV manufacturing.
