Saudi Arabia woos Europe at OECD

Saudi Arabia recently discussed ways to bolster economic cooperation with various European countries during its participation in the ministerial meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris, France. The meeting focused on responsible business practices and the role of the private sector in economic growth. Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim attended the meeting and discussed financial sustainability and digitization with his counterparts.

The minister met with French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Bruno Le Maire to discuss ways to strengthen economic relations and address mutual issues of concern. Additionally, Al-Ibrahim spoke with the Secretary General of the International Bureau of Exhibitions Dimitri Kirkentzes about Saudi Arabia’s efforts to host the Riyadh Expo 2030.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the minister met with various officials, including the CEO of French construction engineering firm Egis Laurent Germain, and reviewed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to empower the private sector under Vision 2030. Al-Ibrahim also discussed economic developments and areas of mutual interest with Emmanuel Bonne, the diplomatic advisor to the French President.

Furthermore, the minister met with other officials from Switzerland, Hungary, and the Dominican Republic to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation and investment between their countries and Saudi Arabia. He reviewed economic progress in the Kingdom within the framework of Vision 2030 with the Secretary General of the OECD Matthias Kormann and explored potential opportunities for joint cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the organization.

Al-Ibrahim’s series of meetings with officials from various countries demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to strengthening economic ties and addressing mutual concerns with its international partners. The Kingdom’s focus on financial sustainability and digitization under Vision 2030 was also highlighted.