Saudi Arabia and Sidel sign agreement to localize packaging capabilities

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sidel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Paris to explore establishing operations in the Kingdom. 

The MoU was signed by Eng. Saleh AlSolami, CEO of the Saudi National Industrial Development Center (NIDC), representing the Kingdom, and Clive Smith, executive vice president of customer management AOA of Sidel, in the presence of His Excellency Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, and Pietro Cassani, CEO of Sidel, who witnessed the signing ceremony.

This agreement reflects the Kingdom’s strong commitment to partnering with leading global companies to localize advanced manufacturing, foster technology transfer, and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for industrial transformation and private sector growth. 

On this occasion, AlSolami of NIDC, said: 'Sidel is a global leader in the packaging market and a source of valuable sectoral knowledge. This partnership supports our ambition to build globally competitive industrial capabilities across strategic sectors. We welcome partners who share our long-term vision and are ready to invest in Saudi Arabia’s industrial base and people.'

The agreement includes a joint assessment of the viability of establishing local services and programs, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s growing needs in the food and beverage packaging industry. This initiative adds to the broader agenda of the Minister’s visit to France, which includes meetings with CEOs of Airbus, Safran, Lesaffre, and other leading French industrial players, aiming to forge strategic relationships.

'Our partnership with Sidel was established after a thorough assessment of market needs and the expectation for significant value-added contributions to manufacturers in Saudi Arabia. Sidel has been in high demand among many manufacturers in the food and beverage sector,' said Eng. Yousef Dhahi, the National Industrial Development Program's vice president of Industrial Services.

Saudi Arabia remains committed to providing global investors with a robust ecosystem of incentives and support to facilitate localization, knowledge exchange, and industrial excellence.