New Saudi deal aims to grow food packaging sector

Mohamed Dabo

Mon, May 12, 2025, 5:13 PM 2 min read

Saudi Arabia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global packaging firm Sidel to evaluate the establishment of advanced packaging operations within the Kingdom.

The agreement, signed in Paris during an official ministerial visit to France, aims to support the localisation of high-tech manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the food and beverage packaging sector.

The MoU was formalised by Eng. Saleh AlSolami, CEO of the Saudi National Industrial Development Center (NIDC), and Clive Smith, Executive Vice President of Customer Management for Asia, Oceania, and Africa at Sidel.

The signing was attended by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef and Sidel CEO Pietro Cassani.

The agreement outlines a plan to jointly assess the feasibility of establishing local production and services in Saudi Arabia.

This is in response to increasing demand within the Kingdom’s food and beverage packaging market, a sector viewed as central to broader industrial growth under the Vision 2030 framework.

By localising advanced packaging technologies, the partnership seeks to facilitate knowledge transfer and enhance industrial self-sufficiency. According to officials, Sidel’s global expertise could help the Kingdom develop competitive capabilities across strategic sectors.

The deal forms part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment and deepen cooperation with multinational companies.

The NIDC described the agreement as a step toward building long-term, value-added partnerships that promote economic diversification and private sector development.

The Minister’s visit to France also includes meetings with senior executives from leading industrial firms such as Airbus, Safran, and Lesaffre. These discussions are intended to explore further cooperation in high-tech sectors and support the Kingdom’s broader industrial strategy.

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an attractive environment for global investors in manufacturing and packaging. Officials highlighted the availability of financial incentives, skilled local talent, and regulatory support designed to enable the localisation of international supply chains.

The Sidel agreement reflects a broader ambition to enhance the Kingdom’s industrial base by partnering with companies that bring innovation, advanced processes, and long-term investment potential.