Saudi Delegation Boosts Date Sales Internationally with Alibaba Partnership
In a strategic move to expand Saudi date sales globally, a delegation from the National Center for Palms and Dates visited Alibaba Group Holding’s headquarters in China. The Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday that the aim of the visit was to establish a partnership allowing 23 Saudi date companies to utilize Alibaba’s e-commerce platform to market Saudi dates in international markets.
Forum Showcases Saudi and Chinese Companies, Boosting Trade Exchanges
During the visit, a forum was held showcasing companies from Saudi Arabia and China, with discussions centered around boosting trade exchanges. Agreements and memoranda of understanding were also signed to strengthen Saudi date exports. This working visit is part of a collaboration between Saudi date companies and the Alibaba Group, following an agreement signed in Riyadh last December. Notably, there has been a 120 percent increase in Saudi date exports to China over the past year.
Significant Increase in Saudi Date Exports in 2024
The Kingdom exported dates worth SR644 million ($172 million) in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 13.7 percent rise compared to the corresponding period last year. Saudi Arabia exports dates to various countries, with significant growth seen in exports to countries like Austria, Norway, Argentina, Brazil, and more. The increase in exports showcases the growing demand for Saudi dates in international markets.
Saudi Arabia Leads in Date Exports with 36 Million Palm Trees
Saudi Arabia boasts over 36 million palm trees and an annual date production exceeding 1.6 million tons, securing its position as the top exporter of dates. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is actively working to improve the quality of farm products by implementing good agricultural practices and adopting quality standards in factories, reported SPA.