Saudi Arabia

General Overview

Population:

27,019,731 (July 2006 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity):

US$338 billion (2005 est.)

GDP per capita:

US$12,800 (2005 est.)

GDP (real growth rate):

6.1% (2005 est.)

Industries:

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals; ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics; metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction

Imports:

US$44.93 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Import commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles

Exports:

US$165 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.)

Export commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products

Alberta's export to Saudi Arabia:

CDN$59 million (2005)

Alberta's main exports to Saudi Arabia:

barley, potatoes, telecommunication equipment, agricultural equipment, transportation equipment, and computers

Canada's main exports to Saudi Arabia:

barely, ice cream, paper products, woodpulp, motor vehicles, computers, machinery, telecommunication equipment, electrical equipment and lumber

For detailed information about Saudi Arabia, the following websites provide economic, political and historical information:

CIA World Factbook
Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy

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Export Statistics

For detailed statistical information on Alberta and Canadian exports to Saudi Arabia, consult the following statistical publications and databases:

Alberta's International Trade Review
An analysis of Alberta's international exports of goods and services. Published by Alberta Employment, Immigration & Industry.
Trade Data Online
Customized reports on Canada's trade with over 200 countries.

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Alberta-Saudi Arabia Relations

Saudi Arabia and Alberta share common interests in several sectors including oil production and development, and global trends.

World Relations
Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations summary of Alberta's relationship with Saudi Arabia.

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Sector Opportunities

Alberta International Marketing Strategy (AIMS)

Ensures the Alberta government's trade promotion and investment attraction activities are focused on key international markets.

According to AIMS, Saudi Arabia has been identified as a priority market in the following sectors:
- Architecture, Engineering and Construction
- Industrial Machinery and Equipment
Electrical Power Equipment

Prospects are present for Alberta companies interested in selling components and parts to local power utilities. The best access to this market will be from cooperating with a partner in Saudi Arabia through a joint venture or a licensing arrangement. In addition, local manufacturers will also be able to import needed machinery and components duty free.

Equipment opportunities exist in switch gear products including switches, fuses, panel-boards, distribution boards, and circuit breakers represent about 80% of the Saudi power distribution market. Also companies supplying gas turbines, gas turbines parts, heat exchangers boilers, and alternators are in demand.
Oil and Gas Equipment and Services

Opportunities exist for products and services such as tubular goods, valves, compressors, pumps, chemicals, turbines, drilling rigs and parts, generators, computers and software, telecommunication equipment, instrumentation and industrial process controls, fire fighting and safety equipment, spare parts, supplies and equipment for refineries, storage monitoring systems, reactors, heaters, air exchangers, power distribution systems, boilers, gas-oil desulfurizers, and isomerization units.

Saudi Arabia is another country that is taking a different look at sour gas. There is a definite place for all aspects of sour gas technology and safety to make inroads over the next 5 years.

For additional information on business opportunities and resources for market intelligence, visit:

Electronic Business Intelligence Service (EBIS)
The on-line source for export market intelligence accessible to Alberta businesses working to expand into the global marketplace.
Export Source - Market and Business Opportunities
Online tool for new and experienced exporters.
Virtual Trade Commissioner
Gateway to market information.

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Exporting Your Products - Services for Exporters

Export Alert!
A resource for exporters to learn about changes in foreign export regulations.
Exporter Needs Continuum
Lists services that can benefit your company and who offers them.
Export Resources
Resources for both new and experienced exporters.
International Trade Canada
Sector reports as well as a list of staff contacts that can assist exporters.