FEBRUARYASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9NEWSROOM GE AEROSPACE SIGNS DEAL WITH SAUDI GAMI TO BOOST MRO SKILLSEnergy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayrakt had an opportunity to meet with Ren Hongbin, the head of the China Council of the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), to discuss improved relations between Turkiye and China in the energy and natural resources sector. The two parties talked about ways to develop further cooperation and found possible new investment projects.Minister Bayraktar stated that he enjoyed the encounter and that it was crucial to ensure that there were closer relations with the private sector and to encourage mutual investment. In one of his social media posts, he emphasized that Turkiye attaches importance to long-term, balanced, and mutually beneficial economic relationships with China.He emphasized the role the energy industry could have in transforming the industries of both nations, as Turkiye has a lot of infrastructure, production capacity, and strategic location in the region, as a basis for long-term cooperation with China.Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir also took part in the discussions and had a meeting with Hongbin in Istanbul. Kacir referred to the 55th anniversary of Turkey-China diplomatic ties and said that there would be more intensification of cooperation.He stressed the aim of enhanced relationships in the industries and technology, value-added investments, and more balanced and sustainable trade relationships.These attempts symbolize the increasingly strong dedication between Turkiye and China to develop their economic cooperation, especially in such the most important areas like energy, industry and technology and further cement their connection to develop each other economically. GE Aerospace has entered into a new Industrial Participation Agreement (IPA) with the General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI) in Saudi Arabia to enhance the ecosystem of aerospace in the Kingdom.As part of the agreement signed on the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, it is planned to develop the F110 repair level, increase the level of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and train with the help of special equipment.The agreement is the first one between GE Aerospace and GAMI, which reflects the company's interest in the Saudi Arabia objectives of the Vision 2030. Nawaf Albawardi, the Deputy Governor of the Localization Sector at GAMI, says that the partnership will greatly encourage the localization process in the Saudi Arabia military industries sector through knowledge and expertise as well as international certification of engine parts manufacturingSalim Mousallam, GE Aerospace Vice President of Defence and Systems, emphasised the long-term objectives of the cooperation, noting that it is not only the transfer of technology but also the development of high-tech MRO and production methods in Saudi Arabia. Not only will the cooperation improve the repair capacities on the local level, but it will also provide a highly qualified workforce that is in line with Vision 2030.GE Aerospace will assist local firms in improving their repair of F110 and guarantee that they meet international standards as part of its first localization steps. The next stages will involve exploiting the possibilities of local manufacturing and assist companies to receive certification to carry out production processes related to the defense sphere. TURKIYE & CHINA DISCUSS STRENGTHENING ENERGY TIES, INVESTMENT· Turkiye and China discussed energy investments and cooperation.· Minister Bayraktar emphasized private-sector ties and mutual investments.· Minister Kacir focused on strengthening industry, technology, and trade.· GE Aerospace and GAMI to boost F110 repair and MRO skills in Saudi Arabia.· Partnership drives Vision 2030 with local manufacturing and workforce growth.· GE Aerospace transfers advanced MRO knowledge for local repair capabilities.
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