Post by Max H. Brüggemann

🌍 In the last few days, I had the privilege of participating in a high-level #delegation trip to #SaudiArabia. Saudi Arabia has recently moved back into the focus of German politics and business. The visits of Katherina Reiche and Friedrich Merz this month are clear signals: the Kingdom’s economic and geopolitical potential is once again being recognized at the highest levels. We discussed Saudi Vision 2030 not as a slogan, but as a structured and measurable master plan. In particular, our meetings with the Ministry of Economy and Planning - MEPsaudi – including Minister Faisal Alibrahim – provided deep insight into the strategic logic behind the transformation. We also exchanged views with the Ministry of Investment, the General Entertainment Authority - GEA and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, including Minister بندر إبراهيم الخريف Bandar Alkhorayef and SAUDI EXPORTS CEO Badr Alherbish. Two highlights of the program were the Private Sector Forum of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the World Defense Show. Both events were impressive not only because of their scale and strategic relevance. Beyond the official program, several aspects left a lasting impression. We were welcomed with a level of openness, generosity, and genuine interest that was remarkable. And this was not limited to formal settings. On our last evening, we were spontaneously invited by a Saudi family to their farm. Relationships in this region are built on trust and human connection. What positively surprised me was that many of our government counterparts had strong economic backgrounds – some had even built and run their own companies before entering public office. Saudi Arabia has liberalized massively over the past years. Socially, economically, culturally – the change is visible and tangible. While we often debate transformation in Germany, in the Kingdom we saw implementation. By the time Expo 2030 Riyadh begins the country will have opened up even further, both for international business and for tourism. So what do I take away? Saudi Arabia is not just a market – it is a partner for German companies actively shaping its future and inviting others to participate. Personally, I can very well imagine working in Saudi Arabia on behalf of my clients. And beyond business: I can also very well imagine returning privately with my family for a vacation. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the team of The Pioneer, especially Paul Horlacher, Chelsea Spieker and Stephan Hofnagel, as well as to Michael Schröder of DESERTEC Foundation for the excellent organization of this delegation – and to my fellow delegation members for the outstanding discussions, and openness. Sarna Röser, Milena Roveda, Martin van Os, Konstantin Andreas Feustel, Tobias Ragge, Carola von Schmettow, Hans-J. Hegerl, Jordan Berninghaus, Harald Wenger, Bernd Reuther, Mark Goerke, David Finkenstädt, Ali Ghosein (Telecom Eng.) ProNexum Consulting Unternehmer in Bewegung