Rawasi Albina Investment Explores Cooperation Opportunities with China’s ZTE in Manufacturing, Data Centres and Knowledge Transfer

Rawasi Albina Investment Company explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation and partnership with China’s ZTE in developing infrastructure for the energy and telecommunications sectors.

The discussions took place during a visit to Rawasi by a delegation from the Chinese company, led by Dr. Bernie, CEO of ZTE HK Limited. This was the delegation’s second such visit, following an earlier visit last year.

Faisal Al-Buqami, CEO and Managing Director of Rawasi Albina Investment Company, said the meeting addressed ways to strengthen the existing relationship between the two parties, given the available opportunities for cooperation and Rawasi’s expertise in contracting and supply activities.

Al-Buqami explained that the discussions covered strengthening the existing cooperation and contract between the two companies, as well as exploring future collaboration in manufacturing. He noted that potential cooperation in the industrial sector could support the development of the company’s capabilities if the parties reach a final agreement.

He added that the two sides discussed the possibility of signing a non-binding memorandum of understanding to examine the proposed areas of cooperation. The proposed memorandum would aim to pave the way for a strategic manufacturing partnership and explore the establishment of a data centre, in line with the Kingdom’s efforts to develop its digital infrastructure and strengthen the data-centre sector.

According to Al-Buqami, the discussions covered several preliminary concepts, including potential cooperation in manufacturing and data centres. He emphasised that Rawasi seeks to explore opportunities to develop the existing commercial relationship and pursue broader models of cooperation based on knowledge transfer and support for local content.

He said a joint working group comprising representatives from Rawasi and ZTE would be formed to continue examining the proposed areas and assessing their feasibility, supporting the advancement of the relationship between the two companies.

Regarding knowledge transfer, Al-Buqami said this area represents a key priority under Saudi Vision 2030, noting the growing focus on transferring knowledge and developing local capabilities across several sectors, including telecommunications.

He explained that potential areas of cooperation may include leveraging the expertise of specialists from both parties through a joint framework, thereby helping to develop local capabilities and enhance local content in manufacturing, telecommunications and data centres.

These discussions form part of Rawasi Albina Investment Company’s strategy to broaden its cooperation with international companies and establish strategic partnerships focused on knowledge transfer, local capability development, and support for digital and industrial infrastructure.

The company confirmed that the discussions remain at a preliminary stage. As of the publication date of this announcement, no memorandum of understanding or binding agreement concerning the establishment of companies or data centres has been signed, and no financial impact can currently be determined. The company will disclose any material developments in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.