SINGAPORE — Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar AlKhorayef has concluded his official visit to Singapore, aimed at enhancing industrial cooperation and exploring joint opportunities in automation, smart manufacturing, and human capacity development.

During his visit, AlKhorayef met with Dr. Tan See Leng, Singapore's Minister of Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, to discuss investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting, held at Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry, was attended by Saudi officials, including Abdullah AlAhmari, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Planning and Development, and Saleh AlSulami, CEO of the National Industrial Development Center.

AlKhorayef also engaged with key Singaporean companies to foster collaboration in logistics, engineering technology, and industrial zone development.

Notable meetings included discussions with DHL Asia Pacific Innovation Center on logistics services, Singapore Technologies Engineering on industrial investment opportunities, and JTC Corporation on developing industrial zones in Saudi Arabia.

During a roundtable with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), AlKhorayef highlighted Saudi Arabia's shift from reliance on foreign labor to automation and investment in local human resources.

He expressed a desire to collaborate with SMF’s Federation Academy to provide training for workers in Saudi Arabia's industrial sector.

The Minister visited the Port of Singapore, the world's largest automated port, to learn about advanced technologies and smart manufacturing solutions that have enhanced logistics operations.

He explored opportunities for cooperation and technical knowledge exchange with port officials.

AlKhorayef’s visit also included meetings with Pang Chun Yong, Chairman of Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), to explore strategic partnerships for sustainable economic growth and job creation, and with Lee Chuan Teck, Chairman of Enterprise Singapore, to discuss enhancing support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In his meeting with Frederick Chew, CEO of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), AlKhorayef explored ways to collaborate on leveraging technological expertise in manufacturing and science.

This visit is part of a broader economic tour of East Asia, including stops in China, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investments to Saudi Arabia, and exploring mutual opportunities in the industrial sector. — SG