Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visited Columbia University in the United States today, the oldest university in New York State. He was briefed on the latest academic programs supporting the industrial and mining sectors and met with faculty members, as well as Saudi, American, and international students from various parts of the world.
During an interactive discussion with academics and students, Alkhorayef discussed Saudi Arabia’s industrial and mining transformation journey, focusing on promising industrial sectors being developed and localized as part of the national industrial strategy. He emphasized the goals of Vision 2030 to transform the Kingdom into a leading global industrial power by maximizing the economic contribution of the industrial and mining sectors, diversifying income sources, and increasing their contribution to the GDP.
Alkhorayef highlighted the importance of the scholarship program as a vital cultural bridge for fostering civilizational communication am
ong nations. He stressed that the Kingdom relies on and invests in its citizens to shape the future, citing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Scholarship Program and the Human Capacity Development Program, both aimed at developing national talents and equipping them with the skills needed to compete globally across various fields. He noted that the industrial and mineral resources ecosystem is keen on engaging with scholarship students abroad, helping them explore future opportunities in the industrial and mining sectors through various programs and initiatives.
Columbia University, founded in New York City in 1754, is a private research university, the oldest institution of higher education in New York State, and the fifth oldest in the United States. It ranks 34th in the QS World University Rankings for 2025. Over the years, many notable scholars and inspirational figures have graduated from Columbia, including several Nobel Prize winners.
The visit to Columbia University is part of Alkhorayef’s curr
ent tour of the United States, which runs until September 28 and includes stops in New York, California, and Nevada. The tour aims to enhance industrial and mining cooperation, attract quality investments to the Kingdom, and explore mutual opportunities in advanced industrial sectors.
Source: Saudi Press Agency