Hub between East and West
Key fact: unparalleled access
Location wise, Saudi sits at the hub of the world’s most dynamic economies, and a launch-pad to 250 million consumers. Straddling the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia offers unparalleled access to a diverse portfolio of markets. To the west and north, the Kingdom’s strategic geographic location offers access to the advanced markets of the European Union and the fast-emerging transition economies of Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). To the east, Saudi Arabia is a gateway to the rapidly industrializing economies of the South Asian subcontinent and the Asia-Pacific region. To the west and south lie Africa’s vast resources and emerging consumer markets.
Saudi Arabia is thus a leading production and logistics platform, offering investors the flexibility and diversification that comes with exposure to the world’s largest and most dynamic economies. To capitalize on this competitive advantage, the Kingdom has embraced an open economy by joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), and is directing large-scale investments into sea, air, rail, and road infrastructure that will tighten its links to the global economy.
Saudi Arabia is the world’s 18th and 21st largest exporter of merchandise and commercial services, respectively. As the largest economy in the newly launched Gulf Common Market, Saudi Arabia is an ideal gateway to the regional marketplace.