Saudi Investment Minister Defends Vision 2030 Amid Skepticism and Promotes ‘Green Shoring’

Saudi Arabia’s investment strategy under Vision 2030, led by Minister Khalid al-Falih, is facing skepticism, but the kingdom remains steadfast in its ambitious diversification plans. Despite doubts about Saudi Arabia’s ability to transition from its long-standing reliance on oil, the country is actively pursuing “green shoring” as a key component of its investment strategy to attract foreign financing. Vision 2030 aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil revenues and foster economic growth through 14 mega-projects, including the Neom industrial complex. The initiative seeks to channel over $3 trillion into the domestic economy and attract $100 billion in foreign investment annually by 2030. Al-Falih emphasized that Saudi Arabia has already achieved or is close to meeting 87% of its targets, demonstrating strong commitment to the plan. The kingdom has also intensified efforts to enhance its investment climate with market liberalization and reforms, although concerns about its legal framework and dispute resolution persist. Green shoring, which focuses on decarbonizing supply chains through renewable energy, is a major selling point for Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims to leverage the kingdom’s logistics, capital, and infrastructure to drive sustainable development. Saudi Arabia is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2060 and has been active in climate discussions, though some critics argue that its promotion of carbon capture and storage may be a cover for continued oil production. The green shoring strategy also targets improving global supply chain resilience and supporting the transition to a greener economy by focusing on critical materials and technologies.