Economy Minister Reiche wants to 'deepen partnership' in Saudi Arabia - Germany Strengthens Economic Ties With Saudi Arabia in High-Stakes Visit
German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche will visit Saudi Arabia from Saturday to Tuesday, leading a high-level business delegation. The trip aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations, with a focus on energy, technology, and future industries.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will also travel to the Gulf region on Wednesday, signalling further engagement in the partnership.
Reiche's schedule includes stops in Riyadh and Jeddah. In the capital, she will hold bilateral talks and attend a meeting of the joint economic commission with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud. Discussions will cover expanded cooperation in energy, startups, artificial intelligence, defence, and emerging technologies.
In Jeddah, the minister will visit local companies and lay the foundation stone for new factory buildings under Juffali Commercial Vehicles. The visit highlights ongoing investment in infrastructure, construction, and engineering—key sectors under Saudi Vision 2030. German firms like the Fischer Group have already established operations in Riyadh, with demand growing in digital health and energy projects.
Germany remains Saudi Arabia's largest EU trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding €10 billion. Over 800 German companies currently operate in the kingdom, reflecting deepening economic links. The delegation's focus aligns with Saudi Arabia's long-term development goals, particularly in high-tech and sustainable industries.
The trip follows a previous visit by German economic ministers in late 2023, which saw increased cooperation in construction, medical technology, and energy. Both nations continue to prioritise joint ventures in these fields, with growth expected through 2026.
The minister's visit will reinforce Germany's role as a key economic ally for Saudi Arabia. New agreements and investments in technology, energy, and infrastructure are likely to emerge from the talks. The delegation's activities also set the stage for Chancellor Merz's upcoming Gulf visit later this week.
