Saudi Ministry of Commerce outlines strategic roadmap for 2024 

The directive emphasizes that entities must strategically invest in high-potential sectors and capitalize on regional diversification opportunities. Shutterstock
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Updated 27 December 2023
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Saudi Ministry of Commerce outlines strategic roadmap for 2024 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has set up a strategic roadmap for its chambers of commerce in 2024.  

The directive emphasizes that entities must strategically invest in high-potential sectors and capitalize on regional diversification opportunities. 

In a meeting held in Riyadh, attended by chamber heads, the Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi discussed the pivotal role of chambers of commerce in achieving the objectives outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

The discussions also encompassed Riyadh’s hosting of Expo 2030 and the active involvement of the chambers in advancing the commercial system.  

Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the significance of aligning with key initiatives and projects, pursuing digital transformation and technical connectivity efforts, and issuing regular reports on challenges faced by the private sector.  

These challenges are to be systematically addressed and transformed into initiatives that actively contribute to comprehensive economic development. 

The meeting also addressed several issues, including the necessity for the chambers to forge partnerships with universities and pertinent authorities to enhance business endeavors. 

During the meeting, Al-Qasabi emphasized that chambers of commerce should take the initiative to invest in promising sectors based on the competitive advantages of each region, empower small and medium enterprises, foster entrepreneurship, and help companies achieve financial sustainability.  

Additionally, they need to contribute to the development of regulations, legislation, and procedures, and launch qualitative initiatives and new projects. 

Moreover, the minister stressed the critical nexus between the trade system and chambers of commerce, emphasizing the need for flawless integration.  

He urged the private sector to stay abreast of rapidly evolving trade patterns, e-commerce dynamics, and consumer behavior while strategically positioning themselves in response.  

The minister strongly encouraged businesses to leverage the latest technologies to foster economic growth and innovation. 

Among the attendees were Saad bin Othman Al-Qasabi, the governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization. Eman bint Habbas Al-Mutairi, who serves as the vice minister of commerce, was also present. Sami bin Ibrahim Al-Husseini, the governor of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, and Mohammed Al-Abduljabbar, acting governor of the General Authority of Foreign Trade, participated in the meeting as well.  

Additionally, undersecretaries and branch directors from the Ministry of Commerce were in attendance. 


Egypt–Saudi power link set to boost regional energy integration, minister says 

Updated 22 February 2026
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Egypt–Saudi power link set to boost regional energy integration, minister says 

RIYADH: Electricity interconnection projects between Egypt and Saudi Arabia will strengthen regional energy cooperation and economic integration, Egypt’s minister of electricity and renewable energy said during a visit to a key cross-border power facility. 

Mahmoud Esmat made the remarks while inspecting the Egypt–Saudi electricity interconnection station linking the two countries’ power grids, where he reviewed construction progress and equipment testing ahead of trial operations expected in the coming weeks, according to a statement from the Egyptian State Information Service. 

The project is described as the first of its kind in the Middle East in terms of scale, manufacturing technology, operation, and application in grid interconnection lines. 

The initiative supports the state’s broader vision to implement sustainable solutions aimed at ensuring the stability of the national unified grid and enhancing the reliability and quality of electricity supply. 

It also aligns with Egypt’s allocation of 136.3 billion Egyptian pounds ($2.8 billion) to the electricity and renewable energy sector in its 2025–26 development plan, nearly double the 72.6 billion pounds set aside the previous year. 

The plan focuses on diversifying energy sources, expanding renewable capacity, and strengthening the national grid to meet rising demand. 

The statement said: “The minister toured the station’s departments and control and operation center, following up on the completion of testing for all equipment and components in preparation for launching operations and synchronizing the project with the unified power grids of Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks.” 

It added: “Esmat reviewed the implementation rate of the project and testing works, as well as the project’s timeline. He highlighted finalization of operational tests at the Badr transformer station and the Sakakin Taba 2 station, as well as the 500 kilovolts overhead transmission line extending approximately 320 km.”  

The minister said the project forms part of broader efforts to build an integrated power network connecting the two countries, facilitating efficient and flexible electricity exchange and laying the groundwork for a unified Arab electricity market. 

He added that the initiative reflects a clear vision and comprehensive strategy to strengthen the efficiency of the energy system while delivering both immediate and long-term solutions to safeguard grid stability and enhance service quality.