Efforts to attract new international investment, boost trade and
strengthen economic links have been bolstered following a visit
to Tees Valley by the UK's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The visit by Stephen Hitchen showcased Tees Valley's economic
transformation and major opportunities across clean energy,
advanced manufacturing, digital technology and international
trade.
It provided an opportunity to build on our region's long-standing
links with Saudi Arabia, including meeting with Saudi-based
Alfanar, which is investing £2billion into a sustainable aviation
fuel facility at Seal Sands, near Billingham.
The Ambassador was welcomed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen at
Teesworks, where he received a presentation on the region's
transformation before touring the site to see the large-scale
clean energy projects under development.
The visit follows a trip by the Tees Valley Mayor to the Saudi
capital Riyadh in 2025 to promote trade links and investment.
It highlighted major investment projects, Freeport development,
carbon capture and storage infrastructure, clean energy
opportunities and ambitions for future AI-led growth.
The Ambassador also met regional business and investment
stakeholders for discussions on investment opportunities,
regional growth, trade and greater clean energy collaboration
between Tees Valley and Saudi Arabia.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: Teesside, Darlington and
Hartlepool are undergoing a transformation on a scale we haven't
seen for generations, and visits like this are vital in putting
our area, businesses and opportunities in front of international
decision-makers.
Saudi Arabia has huge ambitions for its economy and we already
have Saudi investment here on Teesside. We want to build on that
relationship, attract further investment and help more of our
brilliant local businesses take advantage of opportunities in the
Kingdom.
By showcasing everything from Teesworks and our clean energy
industries to our digital and AI ambitions, we're making sure our
region is firmly on the map for global investors. That ultimately
means more investment, more jobs and more opportunities for local
people.
The visit also saw Tees Valley businesses showcase their
capabilities and international ambitions at an event in
Middlesbrough, demonstrating growing interest among UK firms in
opportunities arising from Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims
to diversify and grow the country's successful economy.
The Tees Valley programme formed part of a wider regional tour,
including the North East and Yorkshire, aimed at strengthening
relationships with global investors and businesses and promoting
tourism.
