Gaoming Technology Co. Ltd., a Chinese firm, showcased its cutting-edge solar-powered greenhouses in Riyadh at a UN conference addressing land degradation. The Hangzhou-based company is keen to enter the Saudi market, attracted by the favorable environmental conditions and supportive government policies.
Saudi Arabia’s abundant sunlight and demand for ecosystem improvement present a promising opportunity for Gaoming. The company plans to establish local factories if there is steady demand. The Belt and Road Initiative is seen as a catalyst for Chinese companies entering Saudi Arabia, which serves as a strategic entry point to the Middle East.
The Saudi Green Initiative aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase afforestation. By 2030, Saudi Arabia plans to cut emissions by 278 million tons annually and plant 400 million trees. Longer-term goals include protecting 30% of its land and seas and planting 10 billion trees by 2100. With 95% of the country being desert, rapid land restoration is essential, offering collaboration opportunities for Chinese firms experienced in combating desertification.
Innovative technologies, like tree-planting robots from Eason Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., promise to enhance efficiency by planting a tree every 20 seconds. These robots address labor challenges in harsh environments, attracting interest from Middle Eastern countries and leading to potential factory setups in Saudi Arabia.
Hangzhou Genergy Technology Co. Ltd. is targeting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious projects by integrating solar energy into local systems. Their comprehensive power-management solutions highlight the market’s potential. Water scarcity is also being tackled with water-retaining systems from Xi’an Meinan Biotechnology Co. Ltd., improving rainwater retention in arid soils.
Major Chinese companies, including Power Construction Corp. of China and Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., have secured key projects with Red Sea Global, a developer supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. They are collaborating on The Red Sea project, a renewable energy-powered tourist destination. The first phase, involving solar panels and battery storage, is set to open within two years.
Saudi Arabia and China are enhancing their collaboration beyond trade, which reached $107.23 billion in 2023. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a gateway for Chinese firms to enter Middle Eastern, North African, and Asian markets. The Middle East Green Initiative, launched in 2021, emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional environmental improvements, inviting China to participate in the 30-member initiative, thus expanding collaborative prospects across various regions.