Trade & Investment

Historically the Kingdom has benefitted greatly from its ability to ship its hydrocarbons resources to consumers across the world, while its strong economic growth in recent decades has made it a significant importer of goods and services. Meanwhile, the country’s transport links, large consumer market and a relatively high per capita income combine to make it an attractive destination for investment capital. However, recent years have revealed a range of challenges facing the future growth of trade and investment: levels of foreign direct investment declined for seven consecutive years until 2015, and the fall in oil prices that began in the second half of 2014 has all but erased its once-comfortable trade surplus. It is unsurprising, therefore, that trade and investment are treated as key priorities in the Vision 2030 strategy. With the government’s eye on these important facets of economic life, the coming months and years are likely to bring some interesting developments with regards to the Kingdom’s global connections.

This chapter contains interviews with Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Faisal, Acting Governor, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority; and Abdulrahman Al Zamil, Chairman, Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.