Sustainable mining is a key focus of Vietnam - Saudi Arabia cooperation

On September 29, Deputy Minister Tran Quy Kien welcomed and held discussions with Mr. Abdulaziz Alahmady, Deputy Minister in charge of Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industry and Minerals of Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Minister Tran Quy Kien highlighted that, based on extensive surveys and assessments, Vietnam possesses a wide range of minerals that are considered essential strategic resources. In this context, Vietnam looks forward to receiving Saudi Arabia’s support in applying advanced technologies for mineral exploration, raw material evaluation, and the sustainable extraction of rare and valuable resources.

"With its substantial financial resources and cutting-edge technology, Saudi Arabia represents a key partner in promoting sustainable mining practices. Furthermore, collaboration with Saudi Arabia will help Vietnam tackle the environmental challenges associated with mining activities, ensuring that economic development in the mineral sector goes hand in hand with ecological protection and long-term sustainability," he stressed.

Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment further noted that Vietnam currently faces a very high demand for fertilizers, while Saudi phosphate products have already earned recognition in international markets for their quality and reliability. “We are in urgent need of high-quality fertilizers like these to support agricultural production across the country,” the Deputy Minister emphasized. “We welcome the proposal to facilitate the export of Saudi phosphate to Vietnam. At the same time, we hope that your side will introduce phosphate sources that meet technical standards and come from reputable enterprises, ensuring both quality and supply stability.”

Highlighting the strong and longstanding relationship between the two countries, Deputy Minister Abdulaziz Alahmady affirmed that the Vietnam - Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation has been operating efficiently, generating concrete benefits for both sides. He noted that both nations are increasingly collaborating in developing the Halal product market, with the aim of expanding export opportunities while complying with international standards.

“Beyond supporting the increase in value of Vietnamese agricultural products in Middle Eastern markets, enterprises from both Vietnam and Saudi Arabia have been actively engaging, sharing expertise, and building connections to develop an effective Halal supply chain. These efforts not only strengthen trade relations but also promote sustainable business cooperation and long-term partnerships between our countries,” Deputy Minister Abdulaziz shared.

According to Deputy Minister Abdulaziz Alahmady, cooperation in the mineral extraction sector is currently receiving special attention from Saudi Arabia, with total investments projected to reach as high as USD 2 billion. Alongside this, the environmental industry is also regarded as a key priority within Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy for sustainable development.

“Looking ahead, I hope that both Vietnam and Saudi Arabia will continue to strengthen exchanges, deepen collaboration, and share expertise in the mining sector. At the same time, Saudi Arabia aims to broaden investment opportunities in Vietnam across a variety of strategic areas, including mineral resource development, industrial expansion, clean materials production, and the automotive sector. We believe that through closer partnership and practical cooperation, our two countries can achieve mutual benefits while promoting sustainable industrial growth,” Mr. Abdulaziz Alahmady emphasized.

Regarding the export of phosphate fertilizers, Saudi Arabia expressed its hope that Vietnam will facilitate customs clearance procedures, thereby promoting trade cooperation in the fertilizer sector.

On this occasion, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals of Saudi Arabia extended an invitation to the leadership of Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to attend the 5th Future Minerals Forum (FMF), scheduled from January 13 to 15, 2026, in Riyadh. This event will provide an opportunity for Vietnam to visit and engage with Saudi Arabia, as well as explore potential cooperation with major global mining corporations.

Listening to these proposals, Deputy Minister Tran Quy Kien pledged to create favorable conditions and simplify administrative procedures so that Saudi phosphate can quickly access and penetrate the Vietnamese market.