Rome – October 23, 2025
In his opening address, His Excellency Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of the National Competitiveness Center, shared that the Kingdom has implemented over 900 regulatory and legislative reforms since the launch of Vision 2030. He noted that the Vision, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister (may God protect him), has driven an unprecedented transformation of the Saudi economy, making it markedly different from the past.
The forum was part of an official visit to Italy led by H.E. Al-Kassabi, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and trade partnerships between the two countries. The event was attended by HRH Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Italy, alongside 200 public and private sector leaders from both sides.
H.E. Al-Kassabi emphasized that the forum witnessed the convergence of Italy's enduring strength in creativity, spanning from its rich past to its innovative future, paired with Saudi Arabia's ambition to build a new generation of large-scale and modern projects.
H.E. Mr. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, stated that the participation of 133 Italian companies in the forum confirms Italy's strategic long-term commitment to the Kingdom.
H.E. Eiman Al-Mutairi, Vice Minister of Commerce and CEO of the NCC, showcased recent reforms to enhance competitiveness and the promising investment opportunities emerging from Saudi Arabia's key sectors.
Giorgio Silli, Italy's Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, noted that Italy's partnership with Saudi Arabia reflects a vision for a promising future through quality, trust, and mutual capacity for innovation.
The forum featured a presentation on 'Corporate Governance in Saudi Arabia' and five specialized panel discussions, including 'Investment Opportunities across Key Sectors.' These sessions aimed to strengthen collaboration across promising sectors such as tourism, architecture, fashion, retail, and mobility. The forum highlighted existing partnerships already in action between leading Saudi and Italian companies.
The Saudi delegation included senior officials from the Ministries of Commerce; Investment; and Industry and Mineral Resources; as well as the Public Investment Fund; Saudi Red Sea Authority; National Competitiveness Center; Saudi Business Center; E-commerce Council; Architecture and Design Commission; Fashion Commission; and several representatives from other national companies.
