Petromin and Foton sign four-party MoU to establish commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia

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Updated 02 July 2025
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Petromin and Foton sign four-party MoU to establish commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia

Petromin Corporation, Foton, the Ministry of Investment, and the National Industrial Development Center signed a four-party memorandum of understanding to explore the establishment of an integrated commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s industrial sector and localize high-value manufacturing.

The initiative will develop local capabilities in manufacturing and logistics, strengthen supply chains, and increase localization rates in the vehicle sector.

The scope of production will include heavy-duty trucks, light-duty trucks, and buses.

Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairman and CEO of Al-Dabbagh Group, owner of Petromin, said: “This step aligns with our ambitions to promote a diversified economy based on industry and technology. We take pride in this partnership with Foton, who are No. 1 in the Chinese commercial vehicle market. This partnership acts as a strong catalyst to deliver high-quality commercial vehicles that meet market expectations and support achieving Vision 2030 objectives.”

Chang Rui, chairman of BAIC Foton, added: “We are proud of our partnership with Petromin to localize commercial vehicle manufacturing. Through this collaboration, we aim to transfer advanced technology to the Saudi market and provide innovative and sustainable mobility solutions benefiting businesses and consumers alike.”

The project is backed by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Investment, the National Industrial Development Center, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.

It is expected to create job opportunities for national talent, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, and contribute to the Kingdom’s shift toward a sustainable, advanced industrial economy.

With its rich history and expertise in the automotive industry, Petromin is a leading provider of comprehensive automotive solutions in the Middle East.

The company is committed to fostering innovation within the community and ensuring customer satisfaction through high-quality products and services.

Meanwhile, Foton, the No. 1 commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, has established a global presence in the industry.

It focuses on producing high-quality commercial vehicles through strategic partnerships with leading industry manufacturers such as Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), ZF Transmission, Cummins Engines, and others.

Its partnership with Petromin provides a unique opportunity to enhance its presence in the Saudi market, leveraging Petromin’s local expertise and market presence.


Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh

Updated 22 December 2025
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Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh

The Social Development Bank has launched the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum, known as DeveGo 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event runs from Dec. 21 to 23, under the patronage of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB’s Board of Directors Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi. This landmark forum positions itself as the region’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and setting the latest trends in modern work practices, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Don’t start from zero… start from DeveGo.”

DeveGo 2025 serves as a comprehensive national platform showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship through a range of diverse panel discussions, workshops, and other initiatives. The forum brings together an elite group of local and international entrepreneurs, investors, experts, government leaders, as well as prominent global figures in innovation and entrepreneurship, including Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, futurist Ian Khan, and Jonathan Greechan, CEO of the Founder Institute, among other experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their participation reinforces the forum’s international focus and enriches its agenda by enabling the sharing of the latest knowledge and experiences from diverse global markets.

DeveGo 2025 will witness the launch of a package of supportive programs and initiatives, including new financial products specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to the signing of strategic agreements and partnerships aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial ventures, creating opportunities, and empowering the most promising projects — all while opening new pathways for growth. The forum will also host the “NEXT UP Challenge,” which will enable 20 startups to showcase their innovative projects and solutions before a panel of experts and specialists, while offering entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with more than 50 local investors during the third day of the forum.

In addition, the forum will host the “DeveGo Handicrafts Competition,” which celebrates high-quality small enterprises that have evolved into impactful success stories with clear economic and social impact. 

The “Salam Award for Promising Projects” will be given in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Integrated Company, or Salam, to encourage entrepreneurs and startup owners to present their projects in a smart and simplified manner, on social media platforms. 

Furthermore, DeveGo 2025 offers participants and visitors a comprehensive, interactive, and knowledge-driven experience designed to enhance awareness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as financial and non-financial programs. This will include training and consultancy services to support growth across three main tracks: the “Inspiration Zone,” focusing on modern technologies and the creative economy; the “Growth Zone,” dedicated to modern business models, flexible work, franchising, and business development; and the “Entrepreneurship Zone,” which highlights future economic trends, venture capital, and sustainability.

The forum is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors over three days, who will benefit from specialized workshops and advisory sessions delivered by more than 50 consultants and experts, providing an integrated experience in business development, guidance, and innovation.