Gov. Holcomb to foster life sciences growth, defense partnerships in the Middle East

Governor Eric J. Holcomb will lead an international economic development trip to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait next week, furthering the governor’s commitment to fostering global engagement and cultivating investment and innovation opportunities across future-focused sectors like defense, life sciences and sports innovation.

“Indiana’s reputation as a central player in the global economy continues to grow, yielding real results for Hoosier industries, innovation and residents alike,” said Gov. Holcomb. “I look forward to running through the tape and taking our winning message to the Middle East and working to advance new partnerships focused on key sectors critical to tomorrow’s economy.”

Saudi Arabia

Gov. Holcomb, who will be joined by Major General Dale Lyles and representatives of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana National Guard, will depart Indianapolis today and arrive in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, tomorrow. Indiana and Saudi Arabia exchanged $418 million worth of goods in 2023 and share a number of industry ties. Indiana hosts three Saudi Arabia-owned businesses, including Gas Equipment Co. and SABIC Innovative Plastics, while Saudi Arabia is home to operations of three Hoosier corporations.

In Riyadh, Gov. Holcomb and the delegation will meet with senior U.S. and Saudi officials, including U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney, to discuss opportunities to grow cultural and economic relationships between the two regions. The Governor will also meet with Hoosier families who are part of the U.S. Embassy community stationed in Riyadh. 

Gov. Holcomb will travel to Zimmer Biomet’s Riyadh facility to meet with leadership, fostering growth opportunities across medical technology, and also visit Diriyah, known as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, and engage with Diriyah Company’s CEO to discuss tourism and cultural development.

Kuwait

Gov. Holcomb and the delegation will travel to Kuwait. There, the governor and general will travel to a military base where Hoosier soldiers are currently deployed. These soldiers are stationed at a a U.S. Army installation built and funded by the government of Kuwait that hosts elements of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard, and visit members of the U.S. armed forces ahead of the upcoming holiday season.

"As a Hoosier, I couldn't be prouder of our efforts to spark economic growth, develop global relationships and collaborate with our partners around the world," said Maj. Gen. Lyles. "Our efforts  today will help our friends in the Middle East and citizens in Indiana, now and in the future, as we set the stage for a prosperous economy, technological advancements and security for our prosperity."

Indiana exported $28 million of goods to Kuwait in 2023, supporting the sale of Hoosier-made chemicals, fabricated metal, machinery, plastics and rubber and transportation equipment.

In Kuwait City, Gov. Holcomb will visit the U.S. Embassy to meet with Ambassador Karen Sasahara and Embassy staff to discuss opportunities to deepen ties between the state of Indiana and Kuwait.  Later, the governor will host a roundtable with key business stakeholders in sectors related to advanced manufacturing, life sciences, defense, and agbioscience.

This trip marks the governor’s 27th and final international economic development trip as governor. This will be his first trips to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The cost of the governor’s travel is being paid through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.