Ambassador visit aims to strengthen trade links

Trade and investment links between Tees Valley and Saudi Arabia have been strengthened following a visit from the UK’s ambassador to the country.

Stephen Hitchen toured Teesworks and met regional businesses and investment stakeholders, with discussions focused on clean energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technology and international trade.

He was welcomed to Teesworks by Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, receiving an overview of the site’s development and touring clean energy projects under construction.

The visit also highlighted existing links with Saudi Arabia, including Saudi-based Alfanar’s planned £2 billion sustainable aviation fuel facility at Seal Sands, near Billingham.

Discussions covered the Teesside Freeport, carbon capture and storage infrastructure and ambitions for AI-led growth, while Tees Valley businesses showcased their capabilities at an event in Middlesbrough focused on opportunities arising from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification programme.

Mayor 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 follows a trip by mayor Houchen to Riyadh in 2025 to promote trade and investment links and formed part of a wider regional tour by the ambassador across the North East and Yorkshire.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.