WASHINGTON: The Defense and Security Technology Conference organized by the Saudi Arabian Military Industries company (SAMI),in Washington, DC, has concluded its meetings after participants discussed “the development of the defense system,” and how this contributes to the achievement of the ambitious “Vision 2030” plan.
The conference was organized in cooperation with the US-Saudi Business Council under the theme “Fortifying Partnerships, Achieving Value,” and the participation of top speakers and more than 100 experts, specialists and consultants who exchanged views on Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision regarding the future of its defense industry. Technology and security were top items on the conference agenda, which took place amid the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the US.
The conference was inaugurated by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SAMI, Ahmed Khatib, who stressed the importance of the gathering and the issues under discussion. The conference included three sessions and an additional extraordinary session with the participation of Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Majid Al-Qassabi, Minister of Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khaled Al-Falih, and Ahmed Khatib.
The second session was attended by Dr. Andreas Schwer, CEO at SAMI; Leanne Caret, CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), Kurt Amend, CEO of Raytheon Saudi Arabia; and Colin Mahoney, Senior Vice President of the Global Solutions and Services Unit at Rockwell Collins. Participants deliberated ways to create a value chain for a sustainable future, discussed the important progress achieved by Saudi Arabia and ways to develop the Saudi-US relations to even higher levels.
The conference final session was entitled “Strategic Outlook and the Road Map,” and was moderated by John Hamri, CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and featured a prominent lineup of panelists, including Mohammed Al-Athel, Secretary General of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI); Kenneth J. Krieg, Former Undersecretary for Defense and Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (ATand L); and Maj. Gen. Arnold L. Punaro, Former Chair of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).
The SAMI is a state-owned military company launched in May 2017 by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). It provides military products and services and aims to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign purchases of military products. SAMI hopes to contribute about $3.7 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, and aims to invest about $1.6 billion in research and development, creating nearly 40,000 jobs for Saudi nationals.
Saudi Arabian Military Industries concludes Washington conference focusing on development of defense systems for Vision 2030
Saudi Arabian Military Industries concludes Washington conference focusing on development of defense systems for Vision 2030
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.
