Saudi Arabia and Thailand forge strategic partnership for economic growth 

Saudi Arabia and Thailand forge strategic partnership for economic growth 
Speaking at the Thailand Mega Fair in Riyadh, Al-Qasabi emphasized the joint efforts to boost growth opportunities. Supplied
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Updated 14 December 2023
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Saudi Arabia and Thailand forge strategic partnership for economic growth 

Saudi Arabia and Thailand forge strategic partnership for economic growth 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Thailand are collaborating to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening their bilateral ties, said Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi.  

Speaking at the Thailand Mega Fair in Riyadh, Al-Qasabi emphasized the joint efforts to boost growth opportunities, stating, “We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to facilitate trade and investment and to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship to develop cooperation between both of our countries.”   

Highlighting the potential for economic growth and shared opportunities, he added, “The two countries have high potential to grow their economies and a wide range of wonderful opportunities they can share between their private sectors.” 

The bilateral trade relationship has seen an uptick, with Riyadh hosting a four-day trade show in August featuring over 100 manufacturers and entrepreneurs from Thailand showcasing various products across sectors. 

“The recent visit by Thailand’s Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia has laid the groundwork for a three-year economic plan focused on trade and investment,” said Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara in his opening remarks at the event  

He added: “Thailand is embarking on the economic diplomacy journey toward achieving a sustainable new growth path aligning with the changing dynamics of our world. This path revolves around three key dimensions: green growth, innovation-driven growth and community-based growth.”  

He outlined Thailand’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 in areas such as agriculture, food and security, wellness, medicine, tourism services, and hospitality. 

Bahiddha-nukara highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting and facilitating the green hydrogen project in Thailand.  

Moreover, the establishment of the Saudi-Thai Business Council in August last year led to the signing of two crucial agreements on free trade and facilitating commercial procedures between the two nations. 

“Our delegation’s participation in the Saudi-Thai Joint Business Council meeting and the Saudi-Thai Business Forum has been pivotal,” said Thai Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sanan Angubolkul.   

It led to fruitful cooperation, agreeing to focus on 10 key sectors, including building materials and construction, food and beverage, tourism and services and energy.  

“We’re dedicated to enhancing our economic relations by aiming to increase our trade volume by 20 percent, reaching a target of $12 billion in 2024,” said Angubolkul. 


Aramco enhances cooperation with China’s Rongsheng, Hengli in new deals

Aramco enhances cooperation with China’s Rongsheng, Hengli in new deals
Updated 13 sec ago
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Aramco enhances cooperation with China’s Rongsheng, Hengli in new deals

Aramco enhances cooperation with China’s Rongsheng, Hengli in new deals

RIYADH: Saudi oil giant Aramco has unveiled new agreements with its Chinese partners, Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. and Hengli Group Co., during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to the Kingdom.

According to a press release, these agreements underscore Aramco’s ongoing dedication to bolstering China’s long-term energy security and development while enhancing its strategic relationship with key regional partners.

The agreements include preliminary documentation for a development framework agreement with Rongsheng and a strategic cooperation agreement with Hengli Group. These collaborations occur as Saudi Arabia and China deepen their engagement in the energy and petrochemical sectors, reinforcing Aramco’s role in advancing mutual objectives in these critical industries.

The development framework agreement with Rongsheng involves the potential joint expansion of the Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Co. facilities. This follows an announcement in April 2024, when Aramco and Rongsheng signed a cooperation framework agreement that set the stage for a joint venture in SASREF and significant investments in the Saudi and Chinese petrochemical sectors.

The joint venture contemplates Rongsheng acquiring a 50 percent stake in SASREF, while Aramco would potentially acquire a 50 percent stake in Rongsheng’s affiliate, Ningbo Zhongjin Petrochemical Co. Additionally, the agreement includes participation in the expansion of ZJPC’s facilities and the development of a liquids-to-chemicals project at SASREF, representing a substantial enhancement in the petrochemical capabilities of both companies.

The strategic cooperation agreement advances discussions related to Aramco’s potential acquisition of a 10 percent stake in Hengli Petrochemical Co., contingent on due diligence and regulatory approvals.

This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in April this year, which outlined the proposed transaction and set the foundation for further collaboration between Aramco and Hengli in the petrochemical sector.

Aramco’s Downstream President Mohammed Y. Al-Qahtani, emphasized the importance of these agreements, stating that they affirm the company’s belief in the long-term mutual benefits of close collaboration with Chinese partners.

“China is an important country in our global downstream growth strategy, and we look forward to building on a relationship that spans more than three decades to unlock new opportunities in this crucial market,” he said.

Al-Qahtani further said that these agreements reflect a shared intention to strengthen relationships in key sectors, advance Aramco’s downstream goals, and contribute to the vibrant energy and petrochemicals sectors in both China and Saudi Arabia.

These agreements are part of Aramco’s broader strategy to cement its position as a key player in the energy landscape while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic development. By fostering closer collaboration with Chinese partners and exploring innovative technological solutions, Aramco is positioning itself to meet the evolving energy needs of both nations.

The company’s relationship with China spans over three decades, and these latest agreements mark a continuation of this longstanding partnership, with a focus on future growth and innovation.


Saudi Arabia issues over 37k certificates of origin reinforcing export growth

Saudi Arabia issues over 37k certificates of origin reinforcing export growth
Updated 17 min 35 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia issues over 37k certificates of origin reinforcing export growth

Saudi Arabia issues over 37k certificates of origin reinforcing export growth

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 37,730 certificates of origin in August, maintaining its strong focus on enhancing the country’s export sector.

This achievement marks the 16th consecutive month with certificate issuances exceeding 30,000, following July’s total of 40,588 and June’s 31,887.

These certificates play a vital role in confirming that exported goods are either of Saudi origin or have attained national origin status, thereby facilitating smoother international trade.

By streamlining the issuance process, the ministry seeks to boost the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s exports in international markets, strengthen trade relationships, and promote broader economic growth.

To accommodate the diverse needs of exporters, the certificates are offered in four distinct formats. One format is specifically designed for national products traded within Gulf Cooperation Council countries, facilitating regional commerce.

Another format caters to exports to Arab nations. Additionally, a preferential certificate is available for trade with countries that have free trade agreements with the GCC.

For exports to countries without preferential treatment, a general certificate is provided in both Arabic and English to ensure accessibility.

The enhanced ease of exporting goods bolsters the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy and reduces its reliance on oil revenues. This effort aligns with the Kingdom’s broader economic objectives outlined in Vision 2030, which focus on fostering sustainable, long-term growth through the expansion of non-oil sectors. Recently, Saudi Arabia has introduced several key initiatives designed to strengthen its export capabilities, particularly for non-oil products, as part of its broader diversification strategy.

A key initiative in this effort is the “Made in Saudi” program, spearheaded by the Saudi Export Development Authority. This initiative promotes locally manufactured goods on the international stage by helping companies secure the “Saudi Made” brand.

This branding not only increases the visibility of Saudi products in global markets but also emphasizes quality and credibility, thereby enhancing their competitiveness abroad.

SEDA has also launched several trade missions to bolster international trade relationships. In 2024, Saudi delegations took part in prominent global exhibitions, including the Big 5 Construct Egypt and events in India, where they highlighted Saudi non-oil exports.

These missions facilitate connections between Saudi exporters and international buyers, expanding market access for national products. Such efforts underscore the Kingdom’s strategic goal of increasing non-oil exports to 50 percent of gross domestic product, diversifying its economy, and diminishing its reliance on oil revenues.


Saudi flynas inks exclusive deal as Al-Hilal Club’s official air carrier

Saudi flynas inks exclusive deal as Al-Hilal Club’s official air carrier
Updated 19 min 25 sec ago
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Saudi flynas inks exclusive deal as Al-Hilal Club’s official air carrier

Saudi flynas inks exclusive deal as Al-Hilal Club’s official air carrier

JEDDAH: Saudi budget airline flynas has made its debut in the sports sector by signing a sponsorship deal with Al-Hilal Club Co., becoming the team’s official air carrier. 

The airline signed an exclusive agreement to support Al-Hilal for four seasons, running through the 2027-2028 period, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

As part of the deal, flynas will dedicate an aircraft featuring Al-Hilal’s logo on its fuselage. The airline will also gain commercial rights both on and off the field, and its logo will appear on the players’ jerseys as an official partner. 

The sponsorship aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to boost the sports sector as a driver of economic growth and tourism. 


Saudi Arabia’s POS transactions fluctuate in early September to reach $3.5bn

Saudi Arabia’s POS transactions fluctuate in early September to reach $3.5bn
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s POS transactions fluctuate in early September to reach $3.5bn

Saudi Arabia’s POS transactions fluctuate in early September to reach $3.5bn
  • Spending in the education sector led the dip, recording the highest decrease at 43.6%
  • Spending on public utilities saw the second-largest decline at 25.1%

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions dipped in the first week of September, dropping by 4.9 percent from the previous week to reach SR13.3 billion ($3.5 billion), with the education sector leading the decline.

The latest figures from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, showed that spending in the education sector led the dip, recording the highest decrease at 43.6 percent, with total transactions reaching SR350 million.

This week marks the third time in a row the education sector witnessed a decrease in spending after surging for four consecutive weeks, coinciding with the start of the academic year on Aug. 18.

During the first week of September, spending on public utilities saw the second-largest decline at 25.1 percent to SR59 million.

Spending on culture and recreation recorded the third biggest dip with a 12.2 percent negative change, reaching SR293.4 million. 

Expenditure on miscellaneous goods and services recorded the smallest decline at 0.7 percent, reaching SR1.57 billion during this period. 

Saudis spent SR209.8 million on electronic and electric devices and SR1.92 billion at restaurants and cafes. These two sectors experienced the second and third smallest declines, dropping 0.8 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively.

Looking at the biggest value of transactions this week, the food and beverages sector saw the biggest share of the POS at SR2.10 billion, followed by restaurants and cafes and miscellaneous goods and services.

Spending in the top three categories accounted for 41.98 percent or SR5.6 billion of this week’s total value.

The most significant increase, at 7.8 percent, occurred in spending on jewelry, boosting the total to SR247.8 million. Expenditures on furniture came in second place, surging by 5.4 percent to SR309.3 million. In third place, hotel spending increased by 3 percent to SR245.3 million.

Geographically, Riyadh dominated POS transactions, representing 34.1 percent of the total, with spending in the capital reaching SR4.55 billion — a 4.6 percent decrease from the previous week. 

Jeddah followed with a 5 percent decline to SR1.82 billion, accounting for 13.6 percent of the total, and Dammam came in third at SR662.1 million, down 4.2 percent.

Tabuk saw the most significant decrease in spending, down by 9.9 percent to SR265 million. Buraidah and Abha also experienced downsticks, with expenditure dipping 7.9 percent and 7.7 percent to SR309.1 million and SR176.5 million, respectively.

In terms of the number of transactions, Makkah recorded the highest increase at 1.9 percent, reaching 8,613. Tabouk recorded the highest decrease at 2.7 percent, reaching 4,850 transactions.


Saudi Arabia calls for regional cooperation to tackle environmental challenges 

Saudi Arabia calls for regional cooperation to tackle environmental challenges 
Updated 11 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia calls for regional cooperation to tackle environmental challenges 

Saudi Arabia calls for regional cooperation to tackle environmental challenges 

RIYADH: Regional and international cooperation is pivotal in addressing environmental challenges, especially in rehabilitating degraded lands, according to Saudi Arabia’s vice minister of environment, water, and agriculture. 

Speaking at the 26th meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council ministers responsible for environmental affairs in Qatar, Mansour Al-Mushaiti emphasized that collaboration is essential to strengthen the resilience of drought-prone communities, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. 

The Kingdom is leading environmental protection efforts in the region through the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to protect 30 percent of the nation’s land and marine areas by 2030. 

Saudi Arabia’s National Environment Strategy provides a framework focused on conserving biodiversity, preventing land degradation, and advancing global coral reef research. 

During the meeting, Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, noted that environmental protection and addressing climate change impacts have become core priorities for countries in the region. 

“On the international front, collective cooperation to address climate change and other environmental challenges has become essential among all countries, with GCC states actively contributing to global cooperation and providing solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change while preserving the environment,” Al-Budaiwi said in a statement. 

He added that GCC nations are working to enhance environmental policies, promote renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions to strike a balance between development and environmental preservation. 

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Mushaiti urged GCC nations to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative Charter and set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation. He also called for greater support from national development funds for vegetation projects across the region. 

In May, Saudi Arabia committed $2.5 billion to the Middle East Green Initiative to further environmental sustainability across the region. 

Al-Mushaiti also noted that the upcoming COP16 in Saudi Arabia this December will play a significant role in advancing international efforts to reduce land degradation and combat drought. 

Earlier this month, during the 10th Regional Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature for West Asia, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli highlighted the Kingdom’s environmental progress through the National Environment Strategy and the Saudi Green Initiative.