US looking to forge greater healthcare ties with Saudi Arabia

Fifteen American healthcare firms are currently in Saudi Arabia seeking to partner with local companies and operators.

The firms' representatives have been traveling to several regions since September 10, including Riyadh, Dhahran and Jeddah, to meet over 100 Saudi buyers, partners and government agencies, according to a statement from the US embassy in Riyadh.

The idea is to provide services and technology for Saudi Arabia's growing healthcare market, which accounts for 60% of the GCC countries' annual healthcare expenditure.

"There was a tremendous opportunity for American healthcare companies to partner with the Saudi private sector and government to advance the Vision 2030," Michael Ratney, the US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said in a statement.

The US companies visiting the KSA operate in areas such as digital health, medical devices, occupational and non-invasive therapies, cancer diagnostics and treatment, and hospital operation and management.

"Our companies are well-positioned to help advance Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia's plan to invest over $65 billion to develop the country's healthcare infrastructure," added Carla Menendez, acting senior officer with the US Commercial Service in Riyadh. "We are enthusiastic about building new collaborative partnerships that contribute to the well-being of Saudi citizens while promoting economic growth between our countries."