Saudi Arabia wants to localize 85% of the food business.

By 2030, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) said that the country’s food sector will be locally produced in 85% of cases.

According to Dr. Ali Al-Sabhan, supervisor general of MEWA’s entrepreneurship department, food imports cost Saudi Arabia SR70 billion annually. He also noted that given the ministry’s generous support, the food industry presents numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and small- and medium-business owners.

Al-Sabhan made his comments while taking part in a Gulf Entrepreneurs Forum session on “The Impact of Entrepreneurship and Innovation on Food and Environmental Security of the Gulf Cooperation Council States.”

By 2025, he claimed, Saudi Arabia aims to grow its fish output by 500%, boost exports to SR3 billion, and increase the amount of dates exported to SR2.5 billion.

In order to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the environment, water, and agricultural sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the ministry is implementing a plan to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, according to Al-Sabhan.

He urged businesspeople to take advantage of the many initiatives the ministry offers while stating that it is trying to create ground-breaking projects and activate regional and global strategic alliances.