Expert visit of Bavarian Secretary of State Roland Weigert March 2022

Roland Weigert, State Secretary at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy‎, visited the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh with Bavarian experts from the fields of biotechnology, medical technology, and hydrogen from March 30 to April 01, 2022.

During their visit, the participants spoke to high-ranking ministry representatives, were briefed on and visited planned megaprojects in Saudi Arabia and met representatives of German companies already present in the country. Numerous opportunities for cooperation were identified in Saudi Arabia. The long-term goal of intensifying bilateral trade relations is also to be achieved through upcoming trips and talks.

As part of their trip, the participants visited the residence of the German Embassy Riyadh, where they were received by H.E. Ambassador Dieter Lamlé. The ambassador and the delegate of the German industry and Bavarian representative in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Dalia Samra-Rohte, briefed those present on particularities and recent developments in the country.

Mega project in Saudi Arabia

In addition to meetings at the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Investment, the participants were briefed on the regional mega project "NEOM", a futuristic city with various areas of expertise in the northeast of Saudi Arabia. The project offers opportunities for cooperation with Bavaria, particularly in the field of hydrogen.

The Bavarian experts also visited the future city "Qiddiya", a mega project of the tourism and entertainment industry in the Riyadh area. There, the participants visited the construction site of a subsidiary of the Bavarian BAUER specialist civil engineering GmbH, "Saudi BAUER Foundation Contractors Ltd.", which is currently busy with the foundation works for the roller coaster "Falcon's Flight". 

State Secretary Weigert commented on his visit: "Projects such as Qiddiya, which serve entertainment and leisure purposes, also represent the opening-up that Saudi Arabia has recently embarked on. In many instances, the investors are relying on innovations and quality from Bavaria. Renowned and world-leading Bavarian companies such as Bauer are providing the solutions for successful implementation of the plans." (Source: Press release Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs)

Bavarian companies in Saudi Arabia

During a roundtable discussion with Bavarian company representatives, it became visible just how many Bavarian companies are already operating successfully in the country. During a dinner with German specialties at the premises of the Delegation of German Business for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen, the participants of the expert trip had the opportunity to exchange ideas with locally based representatives of German companies.

To strengthen bilateral relations, State Secretary Weigert held out the prospect of further talks and visits to Saudi Arabia.