Saudi Arabia and China are poised to strengthen their ties in the aquaculture sector, with recent discussions at the Global Investment Promotion Conference in Shenzhen, China, paving the way for increased investment and collaboration. Representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture met with over 60 specialized Chinese firms to explore and expand opportunities in the aquaculture industry.
The forum served as a platform to showcase Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture investment potential, foster knowledge exchange, and encourage private sector participation in driving growth. The National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP), represented by the ministry’s delegation, played a central role in these discussions.
Saudi Arabia’s Aquaculture Ambitions
Established in 2015, the NFDP aims to attract $5 billion in private sector investment by 2030. The National Aquaculture Group (Naqua), the largest aquaculture company in the Middle East, is a key player in this initiative. The program focuses on expanding aquaculture to create new jobs, with half allocated for Saudi nationals. This expansion is expected to significantly increase seafood export volumes, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
“Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing areas in the food sector,” said Ali Al-Shaikhi, CEO of the NFDP, in a 2022 interview with Arab News. “Worldwide, it’s growing 6 percent per year. This contributes to food security, job creation and rural development — and it’s sustainable in terms of the environment and climate change.”
Al-Shaikhi emphasized that aquaculture is crucial for improving the quality of life in Saudi Arabia and other countries. He added that the program’s focus is on job creation, protecting local markets, and promoting the seafood industry.
China’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Aquaculture Growth
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 master plan aims to diversify the economy and includes a target of producing 600,000 tons of fish annually, creating around 200,000 direct and indirect jobs in the fisheries sector. The collaboration with China signifies a strategic move to boost the aquaculture sector and enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.
China has a well-developed aquaculture industry and can provide valuable expertise and technology to Saudi Arabia. The two countries can also collaborate on research and development to improve aquaculture practices and sustainability.
This strengthened cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China is expected to benefit both countries. Saudi Arabia will gain access to investment, technology, and expertise, while China will gain access to a growing market for its aquaculture products and services.
The future of aquaculture in Saudi Arabia is bright, and China’s involvement will play a significant role in its success. This collaboration is a win-win for both countries and could pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the global aquaculture industry.