Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Planning and Development, Dr. Abdullah Al-Ahmari, has concluded a strategic visit to the Republic of Korea, where he engaged with key government officials and industry leaders to advance cooperation in advanced manufacturing, maritime industries, and technological innovation. The high-level meetings, which took place across multiple locations in South Korea, focused on strengthening bilateral industrial partnerships and exploring opportunities for knowledge transfer in critical sectors.
Strategic Partnerships and Technology Transfer
During the visit, Dr. Al-Ahmari held substantial talks with Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Shin-hak, centering on collaboration in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technology. The discussions highlighted potential synergies between both nations, particularly in automotive and shipbuilding sectors, with an emphasis on developing workforce capabilities for Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
A key highlight of the visit was Dr. Al-Ahmari’s tour of the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, where he observed firsthand the integration of artificial intelligence in modern shipbuilding processes. His meeting with Chief Operating Officer Minsu Cho explored pathways for transferring advanced maritime technologies to Saudi Arabia’s growing maritime sector.
Innovation and Educational Excellence
The delegation’s visit to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) marked a significant step toward educational cooperation. Discussions focused on KAIST’s innovative Education 4.0 model and potential collaboration in computing, industrial systems engineering, and semiconductor systems engineering, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s goals to develop world-class technical expertise.
Further emphasizing the focus on innovation, Dr. Al-Ahmari visited the LG Sciencepark and Samsung Innovation Museum, where meetings with corporate executives explored initiatives to support research and technological advancement in future industries. These visits demonstrated Korea’s leadership in industrial innovation and offered valuable insights for Saudi Arabia’s industrial development plans.
Vision 2030 Alignment and Future Impact
This strategic engagement with South Korea directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for industrial sector development and economic diversification. The visit has laid the groundwork for deeper technological cooperation, knowledge transfer, and human capital development between the two nations, particularly in advanced manufacturing and innovation. These partnerships are expected to contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s goal of establishing itself as a global industrial powerhouse while fostering sustainable economic growth through international collaboration and technological advancement.