Greek Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos emphasized the need to reinforce the shipbuilding industry through targeted investments and to boost key sectors, including agri-food, pharmaceuticals, and construction, following a meeting with a Saudi Arabian delegation led by Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef in Athens.

Discussions focused on deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries, attracting major investments, and facilitating business activity on both sides. Special emphasis was placed on cooperation in shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, agri-food, and construction.

Minister Theodorikakos stated that the meeting with the Saudi Minister of Industry was held in an extremely positive and constructive atmosphere. “He [the Saudi minister] represents a country with a strong regional and strategic role in the broader Middle East—a country with which Greece maintains substantial strategic relations. Our trade volume stands at around €1.9 billion, and our common goal is to strengthen it significantly,” the Greek minister underlined.

“We discussed and agreed on ways to facilitate and attract major Saudi investments in Greece across several sectors. On our side, we are placing particular emphasis on strengthening the shipbuilding industry, as well as other key sectors, such as agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and construction. We also aim to support Greek companies in developing their own investments in Saudi Arabia across these areas.”

Later, the Saudi Arabian delegation visited Elefsis Shipyards, where they were welcomed by Panos Xenokostas, President and CEO of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies.

Special emphasis was placed on the shipyard’s role in the revitalization of Greece’s shipbuilding industry, which has been included among Greece’s strategic investments following initiatives by the Ministry of Development.