The friendship between China and Saudi Arabia has a long-standing history. With the deep integration of the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030, the cooperation mechanisms between the two countries have been continuously improved, and the trade environment has been steadily optimized, ushering in broader prospects for development.
Twenty Years of Deep Cultivation: From Pioneer to Market Leader
As one of the earliest Chinese bus brands to export to Saudi Arabia, Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "King Long") has been steadfast in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, closely aligning with the transportation needs of Arab countries. Through friendly cooperation with numerous countries and regions, King Long has achieved mutual benefits and has become a model of China-Arab states collaboration.
King Long has maintained a close partnership with Saudi NTC (National Trade Company LTD) for twenty years. United in vision and effort, the two sides have achieved remarkable results. In 2015, 1,140 King Long smart school buses were deployed in Saudi Arabia, providing a safe and reliable means of transportation for local students. In 2019, 894 King Long 12-meter luxury coaches were delivered to Saudi Arabia, serving in support of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
Twenty years ago, the high-end bus market in Saudi Arabia was long dominated by European and American brands, and "Made in China" faced a rigorous test of trust. Leveraging its strategy of "quality as the foundation" and working closely with NTC, King Long embarked on a path of deep localization. In 2011, King Long successfully outcompeted Mercedes-Benz to secure an order of 150 luxury coaches, breaking the monopoly of European brands in one stroke. From creating a model of China-Middle East capacity cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, to setting the benchmark for China's high-end equipment adapted for Saudi conditions, from exporting products to building brands, and further to exporting technology and exporting culture, King Long has used robust products and advanced technology to withstand harsh local environments, including high temperatures and sandstorms. Through localized customization and premium service, King Long has earned high trust and recognition among the Saudi people, gradually becoming the Chinese bus brand with the largest fleet serving the Hajj pilgrimage in the country.
Recently, King Long and NTC held a grand celebration in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking 20 years of friendly cooperation. This cross-border event not only paid tribute to two decades of partnership and shared endeavors but also served as a full endorsement of China's strategy to promote the global expansion and strengthening of its high-end equipment manufacturing.
King Long Chairman Hou Chenlei, NTC Chairman Dr. Hamed, over 200 customer partners from the Middle East, as well as representatives from the Saudi Ministry of Transport, Hajj Authority, Standards Authority, Customs, and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, gathered at the celebration to witness this historic moment together.
Speech by Hou Chenlei, Chairman of King Long
At the celebration, King Long Chairman Hou Chenlei reviewed the twenty-year partnership between the two sides and expressed his sincere gratitude to NTC and all partners. He stated that Saudi Vision 2030 aligns closely with global sustainable development trends, and King Long has always upheld its global responsibility, committing to innovation and breakthroughs in new energy bus technology. The launch of the new products not only represents King Long's significant achievements in the Middle East market but also provides strong support for Saudi Arabia's green transportation development. These solutions will offer greener, smarter, and more efficient mobility for Saudi Arabia and the surrounding region, helping the country take solid steps forward in global sustainable development.
After King Long buses entered the Saudi market in large volumes, the company regularly dispatched highly skilled and efficient after-sales service teams to Saudi Arabia, establishing dedicated service stations and spare parts centers. They provided customers with detailed technical guidance and operational training, setting the benchmark for service in the Saudi market. Over twenty years of close partnership, the collaboration between King Long and NTC has profoundly illustrated the transformation of "Made in China" from a follower to a leader. This is a vivid example of China and Saudi Arabia jointly pursuing development and sharing achievements under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Speech by the Vice Chairman of NTC
In his speech, the Vice Chairman of NTC highly praised King Long's outstanding performance in the Saudi market. He noted that, with its reliable quality, innovative technology, and premium service, King Long has earned broad recognition from both the Saudi market and the Saudi people. At the same time, King Long has actively contributed to driving the green transformation of public transportation in Saudi Arabia, supporting the Kingdom in achieving a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future.
Jin Shoulin, General Manager of King Long International Trading Co., Ltd, Presents Honorary Medals to Saudi Partners
At the celebration, King Long unveiled a series of all-new pure electric products designed to perfectly adapt to Saudi Arabia's unique climate and geographical conditions. These products will deliver greener, smarter, and more efficient mobility solutions for Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions, effectively ensuring safe and smooth transportation for local residents and Hajj pilgrims. This initiative represents a concrete step in implementing the eight major cooperation initiatives of the China–Arab States Summit and in building a China–Arab states community with a shared future in the new era. It also highlights King Long's achievements in green innovation under the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030, further demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of state-owned enterprise King Long in global development.
As an active advocate of green development, King Long, guided by new-quality productive forces, is accelerating its green and low-carbon transformation. The company has established a comprehensive layout across three major technology routes, including pure electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel, while advancing key fields such as intelligent driving and electronic and electrical architecture, thereby forming a new energy product portfolio that covers all market segments. We believe that King Long's new energy products will play an important demonstrative role in the global transportation sector, contributing to the green transformation of mobility worldwide.
From the bells of desert caravans to intelligent vehicle fleets, the Silk Road spirit has illuminated the path of win-win cooperation between King Long and NTC. This longstanding partnership has not only become a successful example of Chinese manufacturing "going global," but also a classic illustration of capacity cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Looking ahead, King Long will engage in comprehensive cooperation with NTC across areas such as innovation-driven development, environmental sustainability, technology sharing, and industry–education integration. While delivering products and services better tailored to local needs for the Saudi people, King Long will actively promote industry–education integration, cultivate high-skilled local talent in Saudi Arabia, and accelerate the transformation of achievements under the Maritime Silk Road Institute. By further deepening international capacity cooperation, King Long will contribute "King Long solutions" to the green and low-carbon transformation of public transportation in Saudi Arabia and worldwide, sounding a powerful symphony of Eastern wisdom and Gulf ambition in this new era.