RIYADH: In preparation for the Armed Forces Exhibition for Diversification of Local Manufacturing (AFED), which will be held on Feb. 25, Maj. Gen Attiya bin Saleh Al-Malki, spokesman of the exhibition and director general of the department overseeing the localization of manufacturing, explained that the exhibition will have local companies that produce merchandise of high standards with the employment of Saudis, thus creating jobs and helping the economy.
The first AFED exhibition was launched in 2010 in Riyadh exclusively for the armed forces. The second exhibition was held in Dhahran in partnership with Saudi Aramco and Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC). The third exhibition was held in Riyadh in 2016 with Saudi Aramco, SABIC and many other companies.
During a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday, Al-Maliki said: “We have made much headway and progress in sector and more is expected in this exhibition.”
When Arab News inquired about the timefame for total localization, Al-Maliki said: “We started in 2013, and since then we have a planned vision and goals. Before Vision 2030, our goals were long term, but now with Vision 2030, we can see ourselves executing our goals of Saudi industrialization of military supplies in a much shorter timeframe.”
The vision and aim of the exhibition is to locally manufacture the arms needed by the country so that the nation’s factories may benefit from sales, rather than buying them from abroad.
Al-Maliki said there would be lectures and workshops during the event. He said it would be a good opportunity for manufacturers and investors to identify business opportunities.
Earlier, Al-Maliki said the exhibition is part of the economic reforms announced by the government, which aims to stimulate investment, support non-oil exports and develop a knowledge-based economy.
The AFED management hopes it will open vast opportunities for job employment and boost the local economy, furthering more factories and companies to upgrade their standards and work toward achieving a higher quality of merchandise that may even be sold on the international market in the future.
Armed forces exhibition to help localize Saudi military industry
Armed forces exhibition to help localize Saudi military industry
Makkah expo strengthens regional trade ties
MAKKAH: The Arab and Global Expo, which is organized by the Makkah Chamber of Commerce, features a Saudi pavilion that has drawn strong interest from visitors due to the diversity of its displays and the quality of the national products showcased.
This year’s pavilion highlights the rapid development of the Kingdom’s industrial and production sectors and their growing competitiveness at regional and global levels, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The pavilion presents products from several national companies and entrepreneurs, including food items, technological solutions, handicrafts, and heritage industries, along with innovative projects by young Saudis seeking wider markets.
The pavilion has received widespread praise from Arab and international delegations. They have commended the organization, quality, and diversity of products, viewing Saudi efforts to support the local economy and empower the private sector as providing an inspiring regional model.
The Iranian pavilion at the expo also showcases a wide range of Iranian industries across various sectors, and has attracted large numbers of visitors interested in international products.
It features numerous items — including food products, spices, sweets, nuts, textiles, leather goods, handicrafts, and handmade items — which represent Iranian heritage.
The Iranian pavilion’s participation aims to strengthen trade relations with the Saudi and Gulf markets and open new channels for economic cooperation, the SPA reported.
Industries from the Syrian Arab Republic have also made a notable appearance at the expo. The Syrian pavilion has drawn visitors by showcasing various industries, including food products, handicrafts, textiles, and other Syrian goods.
Exhibitors have noted that their participation is a key step in revitalizing Syrian exports and expanding trade partnerships across Gulf and Arab markets to connect with potential importers and distributors.
The expo, which runs until Dec. 12 and brings together dozens of participants from Arab and international countries, aims to enhance commercial integration among nations and open new channels of cooperation.
It also provides a platform for showcasing innovative products and projects, enabling entrepreneurs to build sustainable partnerships and access new marketing opportunities.
