Top Saudi officials travel to China to attend ‘Summer Davos’ as ties deepen

Top Saudi officials travel to China to attend ‘Summer Davos’ as ties deepen

Saudi Arabia's Economy and Planning Minister Faisal Alibrahim is one of several Saudi officials participating in a major economic forum in China starting Tuesday, further demonstrating the strengthening of ties between Saudi Arabia and China.

The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions will take place in the northeast Chinese port city of Tianjin from Tuesday to Thursday. The event is often referred to as Summer Davos, a parallel to the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland in winter. The theme of this year’s event is entrepreneurship. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will deliver the plenary address to more than 150 participants from nearly 90 countries, according to a press release.

Alibrahim will have a significant role at the meeting. On Tuesday, he will speak on a panel about using innovation to address food security and climate change challenges. As part of a panel on Wednesday, he will discuss global debt risks in light of elevated interest rates. On Thursday, Alibrahim will participate in a panel on cooperation between the public and private sectors, per the official schedule.

Saudi Arabia is sending 24 officials and business figures in total to the meeting. The delegation will be led by Alibrahim and Saudi