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Riyadh’s government hopes a new data center opened in the country last week will help gives its agricultural sector a boost.

The center has been designed to collect information from farmers on activities and produce to develop marketing plans.

In an interview with Arab News, Riyadh Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf said it is one of seven initiatives being undertaken by the government to boost the sector, and in turn influence investment decisions in the region.

He said in recent times Saudi Arabian businessmen have invested heavily in overseas agricultural businesses, and with the use of the right technology, he hopes more investors will look to Riyadh as a place to do similar business.

“This center will help transfer information between farmers and traders involved in selling agricultural goods,” Al-Assaf said.

“It will also reduce the cost of product and achieve a balance between demand and supply of agricultural products.”

On top of looking at individual farmer’s operations, the center will carry out research into agriculture in Riyadh to help the government determine policy and plans for the sector.

In Riyadh, poultry, for example, is protected against foreign suppliers. It will also help protect pricing, especially in relation to high and low season yields.

Meanwhile, the Maham Al-Khaleej Trading company opened its second EMC Velocity Signature Solution Center in Riyadh, offering a live test environment for customers. According to Trade Arabia, the center will show live software and hardware demonstrations and complex proofs of concept and allow for migration planning and benchmark and performance testing based on EMC technology.

Riyadh is the largest city in Saudi Arabia and is one of the richest cities in the Middle East.