The Minister of Industry inspects Jazan City for Basic Industries and the Titanium Factory
In a move that underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 related to diversifying income sources and localizing heavy industries, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, conducted a comprehensive inspection visit today to Jazan City for Basic and Downstream Industries. He was accompanied on this tour by the Chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Engineer Khalid Al-Salem, to review the progress of work at the vital facilities overseen by the Commission, which are considered a cornerstone of industrial development in the southern region and the Kingdom as a whole.
A strategic gateway on the Red Sea
The inspection tour included a visit to the Jazan City Port for Basic and Downstream Industries, which holds significant geopolitical and economic importance due to its strategic location on the Red Sea coast. This port serves as a pivotal platform connecting East and West, benefiting from the fact that more than 13% of global trade passes through this vital waterway. The Minister was briefed on the port's advanced infrastructure, including the container terminal and the maritime control center. These facilities aim to enhance logistics services and facilitate access for Saudi exports to regional and global markets, thus strengthening the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub.
Global leadership in the titanium industry
In line with the focus on high-value-added, specialized industries, Al-Khuraiji visited the Advanced Industries Company's (AIC) smelting plant. This plant is considered the world's largest smelter for primary titanium, boasting a massive production capacity of 500,000 tons per year of titanium concentrates, in addition to 250,000 tons of sponge iron. The plant's significance lies in its provision of essential raw materials for strategic and precision industries such as aerospace, aligning with the national industrial strategy aimed at localizing supply chains in advanced sectors.
Quality of life and sustainable development
The visit was not limited to the industrial sector alone, but also extended to aspects of quality of life that the Royal Commission prioritizes. The Minister concluded his tour with a visit to Jidanah Beach on the city's waterfront, a recreational haven and tourist destination that reflects the Commission's commitment to creating an attractive environment for both work and residence. These integrated efforts underscore that industrial cities in the Kingdom are no longer merely production centers, but have transformed into fully integrated service cities that support social stability and sustainable economic growth.
