On September 25, 2023 Saudi (Jazan) Special Investment Promotion and Exchange 
Forum was held in Guangzhou Development District, also known as Huangpu 
District, situated in southern China. This exchange meeting between China and 
Saudi Arabia constituted the inaugural event following the visit of Guangdong 
delegation to Saudi Arabia in early September.

Nawaf AlWard, General Manager of the Investment Department of Jazan Royal 
Commission, noted that in recent years, Saudi Arabia has been steadfast in 
pursuing the "Vision 2030" strategy, the momentum of rapid economic 
development. The open foreign policy of Saudi Arabia has captivated the 
attention of foreign investors, particularly those from China. Therefore, the 
Royal Commission pledges unwavering support to assist corporations in 
establishing their presence and provide facilities for those on the ground.

Chen Zhiyong, Deputy Secretary of Huangpu District Committee of the CPC, 
articulated that the Guangzhou Development District is one of the most 
powerful, dynamic and efficient regions in the country. With extensive 
experience in investment promotion and industrial park construction, the region 
forms five 100-billion-level industrial clusters, including emerging 
information technology, automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, beauty and 
health, and new material, as well as three 50-billion level ones consisting of 
high-end equipment, biotechnology, and integrated circuits. This solid 
foundation is expected to facilitate the cooperation of production and energy 
between China and Saudi Arabia.

China-Saudi Jazan Industrial Zone, located in Jazan Industrial City in Saudi 
Arabia, adheres to a development strategy of "infrastructure advancement, 
industrial cluster, city-industry integration, and environmental protection". 
This area spans 32 square kilometers, including a 30-square-kilometer 
industrial zone and a 2-square-kilometer residential area.

The Silk Road Industrial Services Co., Ltd. was jointly established by 
Guangzhou Development District, Ningxia Yinchuan Economic and Technological 
Development District, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), and Saudi 
Aramco, responsible for attracting investment and other related work for the 
industrial luster zone.

Li Zhe, general manager of the Silk Road Industrial Services Co., Ltd., said 
that the industrial zone currently has facilities such as the Jazan Commercial 
Port, seawater desalination plant, and refinery. By meticulously integrating 
the eight pillar industries from the Guangzhou Development District with 
existing industry development plans of Jazan Industrial City, it targets at six 
predominant sectors, including metal smelting and processing, renewable energy, 
petrochemicals, marine wind energy equipment, intelligent home appliances, and 
white goods, along with the construction of specialized industrial parks within 
parks.

Jansson Victor Johan, Project Manager of Investment Department of Royal 
Commission at Jazan, also highlighted the region's abundant natural gas, oil, 
and mineral resources as well as distinct cost advantages. To promote 
diversified economic development, special economic zones have been established 
in Jazan, along with a plethora of supportive policies on loans, taxes, and 
labor, which provide comprehensive service for foreign investors.

Xuzhuang Biotech Co., Ltd., based in Guangzhou Development District, recently 
signed a cooperation agreement with a Saudi agent. During this promotion event, 
the company's foreign trade manager Zhang Shixian, conveyed keen enthusiasm for 
exploring the vast potential of the Saudi market.

Guangzhou Development District insists on a high-quality strategy for both 
"bringing in" and "going out". By focusing on the development and construction 
of the Jazan Industrial Zone, the district maintains a high level of openness 
to foreign countries, actively explores new modes of international cooperation, 
and builds comprehensive international cooperation platforms such as 
China-Singapore, China-Europe, China-Russia, China-Israel, and China-Saudi 
Arabia relationships, to accelerate reciprocal investments.

In 2022, 76 new overseas investment projects were initiated in the Guangzhou 
Development District, leading Guangzhou in terms of volume. The projects 
encompassed a diverse array of industries, including biopharmaceuticals, supply 
chain logistics, and electronic equipment, and extended across 16 countries and 
regions. Chinese pledged investments in these projects reached $1.356 billion, 
accounting for over 80% of Guangzhou's share. In 2022, the district attracted 
over $2.9 billion in foreign investment, with 135 Fortune 500 companies 
establishing 315 enterprises in the area. 

Source: Guangzhou Development District

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442515

   Caption: Guangzhou Development District holds 2023 Saudi (Jazan) Special 
Investment Promotion and Exchange Forum.