Riyadh - Mubasher: Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef held a high-level meeting in Toulouse, France, on Tuesday evening with Airbus Chief Executive Officer Christian Scherer and the company's leaders in the commercial aviation and satellite sectors.

During the meeting, Al-Kharif discussed enhancing cooperation in the aviation and space-related industries, and discussed opportunities to localize aircraft manufacturing and maintenance technology in the Kingdom. The meeting was attended by French Minister Plenipotentiary for Foreign Trade Laurent Saint-Martin, CEO of the Local Content Authority Abdulrahman Al-Samari, and CEO of the National Center for Industrial Development Eng. Saleh Al-Salmi.

During the meeting, he emphasized the depth of the strategic partnership between the Kingdom and Airbus, which spans nearly four decades and constitutes an important pillar for developing cooperation between the two sides in the aviation and satellite industries, leveraging mutual investment opportunities.

Al-Kharif pointed out that localizing the aviation industry is a critical priority in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the objectives of the National Industrial Strategy, aiming to enhance the capabilities of the national industry, boost its global competitiveness, and achieve economic diversification and sustainable development in the Kingdom.

Al-Kharif explained that the Kingdom is working to develop an advanced industrial and investment environment for the aviation industry, which stimulates innovation, supports supply chain integration, and contributes to attracting quality investments.

Minister Al-Khorayef spoke about the potential and incentives offered to attract investments from global aviation companies, including Airbus. These include simplified government procedures designed to attract foreign investment, streamlined regulations, and easy licensing. He also highlighted competitive access to important mineral resources in the aviation industry, such as aluminum and titanium. He also highlighted the Kingdom's strategic geographic location, which makes it a global trade hub and gateway to Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as an investment environment that facilitates business, supported by government initiatives to facilitate financing solutions, and an advanced infrastructure that ensures business sustainability.

Al-Khorayef affirmed the Kingdom's readiness to enhance cooperation with Airbus in addressing supply chain challenges in the aviation industry by leveraging the Kingdom's vast mineral resources, advanced logistics networks, and skilled workforce to achieve mutual benefits and enhance joint investments to support the localization of the aviation industry in the Kingdom.

This statement comes in line with the Saudi Cabinet's approval of a declaration of intent between the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry for joint cooperation in critical minerals.

The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and his accompanying delegation visited Airbus' main factory and its commercial aviation and satellite facilities. Airbus leaders gave comprehensive presentations on the company's global operations, expansion, and the latest technologies and innovative solutions for aircraft manufacturing. His Excellency also visited Airbus' assembly lines and was briefed on the company's advanced manufacturing processes and operational excellence.

The visit included a tour of Airbus' satellite manufacturing facilities to learn about its capabilities in space industries and innovative technologies that support the development of communications and enhance global security.