Russia and Saudi Arabia are looking forward to joint agricultural projects

Our guests today are Khalid Ahmed Al-Shumaimiri, Director General of the Central Agricultural Cooperative Society (CACS) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Dr. Jehad Mohammad Al-Sharawneh, Commercial Advisor to the organization. They visited Moscow on a business trip at the end of January.

– Mr. Khalid, in recent years, agriculture has become a new driver of the Saudi economy. Can this growth be considered a strategic step toward food independence, export development, and a sustainable economy? What government measures have made this possible?

– The agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant transformation aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030. The focus today goes beyond production volumes to include sustainability, resource efficiency, and resilient supply chains. Through our work at the Central Agricultural Cooperative Society, we observe the positive impact of government initiatives that support agri-innovation, improve water efficiency, and empower the cooperative sector as an active development partner. This growth can be viewed as a strategic step toward building a flexible and sustainable food ecosystem that enhances food security while supporting responsible international trade.

– In January, you met with representatives of Moscow’s business community. What were your expectations from this meeting, and to what extent were they met?

– These meetings aimed to strengthen professional dialogue and explore practical opportunities in agricultural trade, logistics, and knowledge exchange, in my capacity as a representative of the Central Agricultural Cooperative Society. The discussions were constructive and helped establish a clearer understanding of mutual priorities and operational approaches. While several initiatives remain under evaluation, the meetings successfully opened meaningful channels of communication built on shared interests and long-term cooperation.

– Dr. Jehad, although Saudi Arabia is a priority destination for Russian exports, mutually beneficial trade and business activity remain limited. What steps should be taken first to improve the situation?

– Strengthening institutional communication and establishing clear commercial frameworks are essential to advancing agricultural cooperation between the two countries. From the perspective of the Central Agricultural Cooperative Society, partnerships that combine Russian technical expertise with growing regional demand can create real added value. Focusing on practical, commercially viable projects and enhancing transparency across supply chains will help accelerate sustainable progress.

– Mr. Khalid, would it be correct to assume that your interests extend beyond Moscow to Russian regions specializing in agriculture? If so, what areas are of primary interest to you?

– Indeed, the interests of the Central Agricultural Cooperative Society extend beyond major capitals to regions with strong agricultural capabilities and operational expertise. We are particularly interested in areas specializing in grain production, agri-logistics, and value-added food processing. Cooperation with regional partners often provides deeper practical insights and supports the development of sustainable cooperative models that benefit producers and agricultural institutions alike.

– Dr. Jehad, are there any specific plans for joint work with Russian businesses today, or are discussions still at the stage of evaluation? What would you propose to Russian companies?

– At this stage, discussions are primarily focused on evaluating opportunities and identifying areas of alignment. At the Central Agricultural Cooperative Society, we follow a balanced and responsible approach that ensures long-term sustainability and measurable value.

– Mr. Khalid, to conclude, what did you like most about Russia? How would you describe the Russia that resonated most with you?

– What impressed me most during my visit to Russia was the depth of professional expertise combined with rich cultural diversity and historical heritage. The balance between tradition and innovation creates a strong environment for professional dialogue and cooperation. The Russia I experienced is one that values engagement, technical capability, and the building of meaningful partnerships based on mutual respect.

Dear Mr. Khalid and Dr. Jehad! I sincerely thank you for the informative conversation!

Interview by Yulia Novitskaya, writer and correspondent for New Eastern Outlook

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