The Saudi-Colombian Business Council (SCBC), operating under the umbrella of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, is one of the newest bilateral councils aimed at strengthening the economic, trade, and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and Colombia. More than a symbolic body, the Council is designed to be a strategic platform for private sector leaders from both countries, unlocking opportunities across industries such as energy, agriculture, logistics, and tourism.
The SCBC’s mission is clear: to connect businesses, facilitate investment flows, and provide practical tools for companies entering new markets. With Saudi Vision 2030 as a guiding framework and Colombia’s growing role as a regional economic player, the Council is well-positioned to redefine bilateral relations into a partnership of action and long-term transformation.
At the helm of this initiative is Abdulaziz Fahad Almoosa, a Saudi business leader whose strategic foresight and international experience provide the foundation for the Council’s ambitions. Alongside him, Carlos Varady, a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with deep expertise in energy and infrastructure, plays a key role in driving the Council’s mission forward. Together, their combined leadership is setting a new standard for Saudi-Latin American cooperation.
Exclusive Interview with Abdulaziz Almoosa
Abdulaziz Fahad Almoosa is a distinguished Saudi business leader and the Chairman of the Saudi-Colombian Business Council. With a career spanning strategic growth, cross-border business development, and international relations, he brings a wealth of experience to this new bilateral endeavor.
Beyond the SCBC, Almoosa serves on the Executive Committees of the Saudi-Korean and Saudi-Mexican Business Councils, giving him a multi-regional perspective on global trade. He has also held senior leadership roles, including as former CEO of Gheena Contracting Company, where he drove over 300% revenue growth, and as Chairman of Moosa Machinery SJSC (MOMAC). His strong academic background includes studies at Harvard and the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, further reinforcing his ability to combine vision with execution.
This unique blend of global outlook, entrepreneurial spirit, and governance acumen positions him as the right leader to steer the SCBC at this historic moment.
What motivated the creation of the Saudi-Colombian Business Council, and what is the long-term vision you aim to achieve as its first Chairman?
As Chairman of the Saudi-Colombian Business Council, my vision is not simply to facilitate trade, but to fundamentally redefine it. We are moving beyond discussion and into an era of decisive action. The SCBC is founded on an assertive mandate: to be the primary catalyst for economic transformation between our two nations.
Our purpose is to engineer a new chapter in our bilateral relationship, one built on tangible outcomes, strategic alliances, and accelerated growth. We are building a robust ecosystem where businesses no longer navigate foreign markets in isolation. Instead, they will find a powerful, centralized platform under my chairmanship—a strategic partner committed to dismantling barriers, providing unparalleled market intelligence, and championing their interests at the highest levels of government. This is our commitment: to turn ambition into achievement and potential into prosperity.
As the Council is just beginning its journey, what immediate priorities and initiatives are being set to lay a strong foundation for Saudi-Colombian business relations?
In these crucial first months, we are laying the groundwork for a new era of shared prosperity between our great nations. Our immediate focus is on building the essential pillars that will support your success:
- Uniting Our Industries: We are forging a landmark digital bridge—the first-ever comprehensive directory of Saudi and Colombian companies. This is more than a list; it is a catalyst for connection, designed to spark new partnerships and illuminate unforeseen opportunities.
- Fueling Your Ambition: We are creating a clear and accessible roadmap to the vital incentives, subsidies, and financing tools offered by both our governments. Our goal is to ensure that financial support is not an obstacle, but a powerful accelerant for your ventures.
- Leading the Way: We are launching dynamic sector committees in critical areas like energy, agriculture, logistics, and tourism. These forums will be the engines of our progress, bringing together the brightest minds to pioneer new initiatives and ensure every company has a direct path to success in these promising fields.
How do you plan to encourage the active participation of private sector companies from both Saudi Arabia and Colombia in the Council’s early activities?
The Saudi-Colombian Business Council is built on a simple yet powerful promise: your success is our mission. We understand that your time is valuable, and we are committed to ensuring that every moment you invest with us yields tangible returns. To our members and stakeholders, we offer more than just a platform; we offer a steadfast partnership. Here is our pledge:
- We Will Be Your Advocates: When you face challenges or bureaucratic hurdles, you will not face them alone. Consider the SCBC your dedicated champion, standing with you to navigate complexities and find swift, effective solutions with government ministries and chambers of commerce.
- We Will Amplify Your Voice: We provide you with a prominent seat at the table in our influential sector groups. This is your forum to shape industry dialogue, present your vision, and connect directly with the leaders who can help turn your ideas into reality.
- We Will Guarantee Equal Opportunity: Our commitment to inclusivity is absolute. We proudly offer membership free of charge, ensuring that every enterprise—from dynamic SMEs to leading corporations—has an equal opportunity to prosper. This is a core principle, designed to foster a truly collaborative and powerful business community.
we are committed to ensuring that every moment you invest with us yields tangible returns
What mechanisms—such as trade missions, investment forums, or sectoral working groups—are being considered to facilitate stronger collaboration between businesses in both countries?
Our mandate is to architect clear and efficient conduits for bilateral commerce. To this end, we will deploy a series of strategic interventions designed to simplify complexity and accelerate success:
- Convening High-Level Delegations: We will organize exclusive trade missions and investment forums, providing our members with direct and unparalleled access to the key governmental and corporate principals who are shaping the economic landscape.
- Facilitating State-Level Processes: The Council will function as an essential intermediary, expediting critical administrative and regulatory procedures. Our intervention aims to streamline business registration, the acquisition of official approvals, and access to national subsidy programs.
- Disseminating Strategic Intelligence: We are establishing a robust framework for knowledge transfer predicated on empirical case studies and expert analysis. This initiative will equip our members with the strategic foresight required to navigate market intricacies, mitigate potential risks, and optimize investment outcomes.
In your view, what role will the Saudi-Colombian Business Council play in shaping the future of trade and investment between the two nations over the next five years?
Five years from now, the Saudi-Colombian Business Council will be more than a facilitator; it will be the very emblem of our shared economic destiny. My vision is for the SCBC to be celebrated not merely as a resource, but as the primary architect of a new, dynamic, and prosperous era between our nations.
We are building a future where the question, “Where do I start?” is answered with a surge of confidence. The answer will be the SCBC—a gateway to strategic partnerships, transformative market intelligence, and unwavering government support. Our ambition is to create a legacy where bilateral trade is not just more efficient, but is a powerful engine for innovation, job creation, and mutual prosperity that touches every level of our societies. We are not just opening markets; we are building a lasting bridge to a shared, brighter future for generations to come.
Our ambition is to create a legacy where bilateral trade is not just more efficient, but is a powerful engine for innovation, job creation, and mutual prosperity that touches every level of our societies.
Therefore, my call to the esteemed business leaders of Colombia, through the pages of Latingulf magazine, is not just an invitation, but a call to action. Join us. Become a part of this historic movement. Membership is your stake in this future—a future we will build together, free of charge, rich with opportunity, and boundless in its potential.
Carlos Varady: Executive Committee Member
While Abdulaziz Almoosa provides the vision and leadership at the helm of the SCBC, Carlos Varady brings a unique blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and global perspective. With a Ph.D. in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering and professional experience across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Varady has been instrumental in shaping strategies that align with both Saudi Vision 2030 and Colombia’s growth trajectory
His earlier career at ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Chevron, coupled with entrepreneurial success in infrastructure projects in Latin America, gives him the rare ability to bridge both worlds—Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey and Colombia’s emerging opportunities. Today, as part of the leadership of the SCBC, his role is critical in translating ambitious plans into sustainable, high-impact partnerships.
Why the SCBC Matters?
The creation of the Saudi-Colombian Business Council is more than just an addition to the roster of bilateral chambers—it reflects a strategic alignment between two economies that, while geographically distant, share complementary strengths. Saudi Arabia offers energy leadership, financial capital, and a vision for diversification under Vision 2030. Colombia brings a dynamic agricultural sector, growing infrastructure needs, and a strategic location in Latin America.
By addressing bureaucratic barriers, creating digital tools such as a comprehensive company directory, and establishing sectoral committees, the SCBC positions itself as a platform of action rather than rhetoric. The leadership of Abdulaziz Almoosa and Carlos Varady ensures that this initiative is not only visionary but also practical, results-driven, and globally relevant.
If executed successfully, the SCBC could become a model of Saudi-Latin American cooperation, paving the way for other bilateral councils and reinforcing the Gulf’s role as a global hub for trade with Latin America.
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