The Local Content Forum is an annual platform organized by the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA) to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s economic ecosystem by promoting local investment opportunities, showcasing success stories, and fostering public-private sector partnerships. As one of LCGPA’s strategic initiatives, the forum plays a vital role in enhancing awareness of local content, transferring global best practices, and aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and increase non-oil GDP.
Objectives of the Local Content Forum
The Local Content Forum was created with clear objectives that advance the local content agenda across industries in Saudi Arabia. Its goals include:
- Establishing a centralized platform to showcase investment opportunities and attract local and international investors.
- Highlighting success stories in building and growing local content across sectors.
- Promoting knowledge transfer by adopting international best practices.
- Supporting partnerships between large companies and SMEs to strengthen the value chain.
- Raising awareness of methodologies for measuring, increasing, and sustaining local content in alignment with national goals.
First Edition of the Local Content Forum (2022)
The first edition of the Local Content Forum took place on September 5, 2022, and gathered more than forty-five public and private entities and 900 attendees. The event emphasized the role of strategic partnerships in boosting local industries.
Key highlights included:
- The launch of Maaden’s “Tharwah” program, designed to enhance the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy.
- Signing of 20 cooperation agreements to strengthen local industries.
- Presentation of over 200 investment opportunities to expand and diversify non-oil sectors.
The first edition focused heavily on knowledge transfer, increasing non-oil exports, and enhancing the GDP contribution of local content. It also provided an opportunity for major Saudi companies to showcase their leadership in local content development.
Second Edition of the Local Content Forum (2024)
The second edition of the forum was held from November 20 to 22, 2024, in Riyadh, under the theme “Partnerships for Sustainable Development.” The event drew wide participation from both the public and private sectors.
Highlights included:
- Launch of the “Made in Saudi – Gold Category” label, encouraging consumers to support local products and services.
- Hosting of 46 workshops attended by 340 participants.
- Signing of 25 agreements to localize industries and transfer knowledge.
- Nine panel discussions exploring local content in critical sectors such as energy, health, industry, logistics, water, and digital transformation.
The forum served as a stage for advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s goals, focusing on sustainability, industrial localization, and the role of major national companies in expanding the scope of local content.
Conclusion
The Local Content Forum has become a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to build a diversified and sustainable economy. By connecting government, investors, and private sector leaders, it highlights local opportunities, strengthens supply chains, and ensures that Saudi Arabia’s economic growth aligns with global best practices. As it continues to evolve, the forum remains a key driver of localization, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity in the Kingdom.
