Ajlan & Bros hails policy steps as confidence boosts

Ajlan & Bros Group, the largest Saudi Arabian private sector conglomerate in China, said it has been benefiting from the country's improving business environment and further opening-up, citing a surge in new foreign investments as evidence of the market's growing appeal.

Mohammed Al Ajlan, deputy chairman of Ajlan & Bros Group, said the policies implemented by the Chinese authorities in recent years to optimize the business environment for foreign companies are yielding tangible results.

"Ajlan & Bros Group has been benefiting from the series of policies introduced and implemented by the Chinese authorities to optimize business environment for foreign-invested enterprises," said Al Ajlan, who is also chairman of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council.

He highlighted data showing that there were over 59,000 newly established foreign enterprises in China in 2024, a 9.9 percent year-on-year increase, as proof of the market's strong attraction.

"We are deeply encouraged to see that further opening-up at a high level has once again been emphasized in the 2025 Government Work Report, which we believe is expected to offer more opportunities for Ajlan & Bros Group to explore cooperation with leading Chinese companies in various fields," he said.

"It gives us strong confidence in China — a more open, resilient and dynamic market."

"In the future, we expect the business environment in China to become more optimized and dynamic, and we look forward to seeing more policy support in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and new energy," Al Ajlan added.

Wang Lining, director of the oil market department under the economics and technology research institute of China National Petroleum Corp, said China's commitment to green energy and its rapid technological advancements are making it a magnet for global energy companies.

China's carbon neutrality goals and massive investments in renewable infrastructure are key factors drawing international firms seeking market diversification and leadership in the evolving global energy landscape, he said.

Ajlan & Bros, which entered the Chinese market in 1990 as the first Saudi private sector company after the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations, has grown to become the largest Saudi private conglomerate in China.

Al Ajlan highlighted the company's 35-year investment history in China, witnessing firsthand the achievements of China's reform and opening-up. He specifically lauded the Belt and Road Initiative and the establishment of free trade zones for enhancing global connectivity and benefiting Ajlan & Bros.

"China's efforts to open up wider to the rest of the world have not only intensified bilateral trade between China and Saudi Arabia, but also provided strong support for the integration of the BRI and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030," he said.

"China's action plan to stabilize foreign investment in 2025 will be creating more opportunities for foreign firms and contributing to China's modernization drive."

Ajlan & Bros has established several strategic partnerships with Chinese companies across diverse sectors, like logistics, fintech, mining, manufacturing and technology, as China's market shows a clear trend of consumption upgrading, especially in e-commerce, logistics and gaming, amid a large middle-income population and continuously rising consumption power.

"These partnerships not only facilitate Chinese companies' expansion into the Middle East and North Africa region, or MENA region, but also contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, as Chinese partners bring advanced technologies and industry expertise, aiding Saudi Arabia's economic diversification goals."

Looking ahead, Ajlan & Bros plans to focus on investments in energy, logistics, mining, manufacturing and gaming in China, as the company is optimistic about China's commitment to developing the digital economy, enhancing financial market openness and promoting a green economy, seeing these as further opportunities for global businesses.

"We maintain a long-term and unwavering confidence in China's high-quality economic development, considering China's vast market potential and innovation prowess," he said.

"As the gateway to the MENA region for Chinese companies, we are eager to see continued progress in both traditional and emerging sectors through strengthened China-Saudi collaboration."