Although American exporters/companies are not required to appoint a local Saudi agent or distributor to sell to Saudi companies, we recommend that all new-to-market U.S. companies consider partnering with a local company for the purposes of monitoring business opportunities, navigating import and standards testing regulations, and identifying public sector sales and contract opportunities.  Increasingly, Saudi partners are seeking joint ventures with foreign firms versus serving as agents or distributors.  For complete information and regulations on registering a business in Saudi Arabia, please visit the website of the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce in Saudi Arabia helps U.S. exporters to identify market opportunities and qualified business partners.  It also provides advocacy and commercial diplomacy services to U.S. firms and promotes greater transparency in commercial matters and public procurement by engaging Saudi regulatory and standards bodies and Saudi public institutions.