Al-Jadaan: Saudi investments in alternative routes safeguard energy supplies and trade flows

BANGKOK — Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan affirmed that Saudi Arabia’s investments in alternative routes have helped ensure the continuity of energy supplies and trade flows amid the regional uncertainty and shipping disruption. He stressed that economic resilience depends on diversifying sources of economic strength, safeguarding the foundations of growth, and strengthening the capacity to withstand recurring and prolonged disruptions.The minister made the remarks while addressing the third meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. Al-Jadaan heads the Saudi delegation taking part in the meetings.In his speech, Al-Jadaan underscored the need for fiscal policies that protect the foundations of growth, emphasizing the importance of effective international cooperation in maintaining economic stability. He explained that reliable energy supplies at reasonable prices and the uninterrupted flow of essential goods help contain price pressures and ease the burden on national budgets, enabling countries to better manage uncertainty. “The Kingdom’s investments in alternative routes underscore the vital role of infrastructure, transportation networks, and supply chains in sustaining energy supplies and trade flows during disruptions, while mitigating their impact on markets and commodity movements,” he pointed out. Al-Jadaan explained that managing prolonged shocks depends not only on the size of the buffers available to countries but also on how effectively these resources are managed over time, while maintaining sufficient capacity to respond to future developments. He noted that reducing exposure to risks requires economic diversification, stronger energy and food security, and more robust supply chains and infrastructure. These priorities are becoming increasingly important as disruptions to trade flows, the availability of essential goods, and their costs grow more frequent. Al-Jadaan also addressed readiness for artificial intelligence (AI), explaining that it has evolved beyond a purely technical issue to become part of a broader agenda for sustainable growth and economic stability. This underscores the need for policies that enable economies to adapt to change while preserving opportunities for long-term growth and transformation. The minister of finance emphasized the pivotal role of multilateral financial institutions in helping the most vulnerable economies address financing pressures through financial and technical assistance programs and advisory services. “Such support strengthens their ability to manage shocks and maintain economic stability,” he added.During his stay in Bangkok, Al-Jadaan met with several ministers, officials and heads of international financial institutions and credit rating agencies. The discussions focused on the latest global economic developments and policies to support stability, as well as developments and reforms in the Saudi economy, reflecting the Kingdom’s continued efforts to strengthen its role in international economic and financial dialogue.