Global Logistics Forum announces key partners on eve of inaugural event

Global Logistics Forum announces key partners on eve of inaugural event
Saudi Arabia is placing an increased focus on its logistics industry, in line with the Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. Shutterstock
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Updated 11 October 2024
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Global Logistics Forum announces key partners on eve of inaugural event

Global Logistics Forum announces key partners on eve of inaugural event

RIYADH: Shipping firm MAERSK, aviation conglomerate Saudia Group and delivery company Aramex have been confirmed as key partners of the Global Logistics Forum, set to take place in Riyadh from Oct. 12-14.

The event, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, will serve as a platform for uniting partners to enhance supply chain efficiency, resilience, sustainability, and profitability, according to a press release.

The inaugural forum will host 10,000 attendees and see more than 120 speakers, including world leaders, ministers, business chiefs, and experts in the logistics sector contributing to the event.

The event comes as Saudi Arabia places an increased focus on its logistics industry, in line with the Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.

The sector is surging, with a 76 percent increase in new businesses registered in the second quarter of 2024, making logistics the fastest-growing sphere in the Kingdom. 

Rumaih bin Muhammad Al-Rumaih, the Kingdom’s vice minister of Transport and Logistic Services, said the forum marks a key waypoint on the journey of the global industry. 

“From the food we eat, to the gifts we give, and to everything in between, our modern world depends on the global logistics network. 

“At the Global Logistics Forum, we will set the future direction for this most critical industry.

“We are proud to share the many global and regional logistics leaders who are partnering with us for the inaugural GLF, recognizing the importance of this moment to share the future map of global logistics.”

Ibrahim Al-Omar, director general of Saudia Group, said that being a Presenting Partner for the event in Riyadh is testament to his company’s commitment to Saudi Vision 2030. 

“This forum is a pivotal moment for Saudia Group to engage with global leaders and contribute to the Kingdom's ambition of becoming a leading logistics hub. Our participation underscores our dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration in the logistics sector," he added.

Group CEO of Aramex, Othman Aljeda, said that the company “was thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with the Global Logistics Forum.”

He added: “Earlier this year, Aramex opened a new regional hub in Riyadh, and our partnership at GLF will ensure that we are contributing our expertise and supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by fostering greater collaboration, operational excellence, and sustainable growth in the region's logistics sector."

The Global Logistics Forum will also serve as a “launching pad” for MoUs between industry leaders in global logistics, formalizing a more connected sector, and in turn ensuring a more resilient and efficient network of global connectivity, according to a release.


COP29: Azerbaijan unveils Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative

COP29: Azerbaijan unveils Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative
Updated 8 sec ago
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COP29: Azerbaijan unveils Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative

COP29: Azerbaijan unveils Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative

RIYADH: Azerbaijan has launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative, a program designed to help farmers combat global warming while ensuring food security.  

The initiative, which prioritizes knowledge sharing and climate finance solutions, was announced during a press conference by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, at COP29. 

This effort aligns with Azerbaijan’s revised Nationally Determined Contributions, which pledge a 40 percent reduction in emissions by 2050, conditional on international support. The energy sector, responsible for over half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, remains a focal point of Azerbaijan’s climate strategy.   

“I am proud to officially announce the launch of the Baku Harmonia Climate Initiative for farmers. It is an inclusive platform designed particularly for women and youth, and aims to strengthen global collaboration,” Mammadov said. 

He highlighted that the initiative will focus on promoting technology investments, sustainable practices, and crop diversification. 

“Harmonia focuses on sharing knowledge, facilitating climate finance, and addressing the unique challenges farmers face,” he added.  

Mammadov emphasized the importance of enhancing farmers’ participation, advancing research and innovation, improving water management systems, and implementing subsidy programs to encourage sustainability. 

Also speaking during the conference, COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev underlined the initiative’s significance, noting the momentum gained from international cooperation.  

“We have been encouraged by the positive signals from the G20 to our ongoing efforts,” Rafiyev said. However, he stressed that current climate finance levels remain insufficient and require scaling up.  

As a significant producer of fossil fuels, Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, like last year’s host, the UAE, signifies a shift toward sustainable climate policies.  

COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev recently told Arab News that hosting the conference reflects his country’s commitment to driving change. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,876

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,876
Updated 49 min 46 sec ago
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,876

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,876

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Tuesday, as it gained 45.53 points or 0.38 percent to close at 11,875.91. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.09 billion ($1.62 billion) with 138 stocks advancing, while 90 declining. 

The parallel market, Nomu, however, marginally slipped by 0.09 percent to 29,570.56. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index gained 4.76 points to close at 1,491.83.

The best-performing stock of the day was Shatirah House Restaurant Co., also known as Burgerizzr. The company’s share price increased by 9.98 percent to SR22.26. 

The share price of Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co. increased by 8.29 percent to SR14.10, while the stock price of Development Works Food Co. surged by 6.85 percent to SR131. 

Conversely, the share price of Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. slipped by 9.68 percent to SR0.28. 

On the parallel market, the best performer was Knowledge Tower Trading Co., whose share price surged by 9.61 percent to SR10.84.

On the announcements front, Molan Steel Co. said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Yara International Limited Co. to acquire 100 percent of Mayar International Industry. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said that the financial consideration for the transaction depends on the results of the financial evaluation and due diligence.

The company added that the transaction will be financed through Molan Steel’s cash flows and resources. 

According to the statement, the acquisition will be subject to a number of regulatory approvals including relevant authorities in the Kingdom. 

Molan Steel Co.’s share price increased by 2.84 percent to SR3.26. 


Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk targets development with over $67m investment deals 

Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk targets development with over $67m investment deals 
Updated 19 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk targets development with over $67m investment deals 

Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk targets development with over $67m investment deals 

JEDDAH: Investment contracts worth SR252 million ($67.2 million) have been signed to boost Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk region, focusing on healthcare, logistics, housing, entertainment, and education to spur economic growth. 

The agreements, finalized during a visit by Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail, are expected to stimulate the local economy while generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During his tour to the region, Al-Hogail held discussions with regional investors and business leaders, focusing on expanding opportunities in municipal and housing development.  

The minister underscored the government’s commitment to fostering investments that align with the aspirations of Tabuk’s residents and contribute to Vision 2030’s broader economic goals. 

The inspection visit included reviews of key infrastructure projects, including road upgrades, traffic system enhancements, and housing developments.   

Al-Hogail emphasized the importance of ensuring high-quality services for residents and visitors, stressing that these initiatives are integral to achieving the ministry’s strategic objectives.  

He also witnessed the delivery of 533 new housing units to beneficiaries of the Development Housing Program, a key initiative supporting low-income families in Saudi Arabia.   

This latest distribution brings the total number of housing units delivered under the program to 2,479, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing housing needs.

At the start of his tour, Al-Hogail met with municipal leaders and heads of municipalities to discuss progress on ongoing projects, emphasizing the need for continuous improvements in service delivery. 

He also visited the Prince Fahd bin Sultan Promenade, where redesigned storefronts inspired by Tabuk’s heritage have transformed the area into a vibrant destination for locals and tourists.  

Al-Hogail inaugurated a branch of the Real Estate Developer Services Center, Etmam, which streamlines government services for beneficiaries in one location. He engaged with citizens to gather feedback and suggestions for further enhancing municipal services in the region.  

The visit coincided with the announcement by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing’s investment arm, the National Housing Co., of 11 new residential projects in Khuzam, north of Riyadh. These developments, featuring over 10,000 modern-designed units, are aimed at achieving the Kingdom’s homeownership goals. 

This visit is part of a series of inspections the minister is conducting across Saudi Arabia to oversee municipal and housing sector initiatives, review ongoing projects, and ensure their progress aligns with Vision 2030’s transformative goals. 


Pakistan Stock Exchange crosses 96,000 to hit record intraday high

Pakistan Stock Exchange crosses 96,000 to hit record intraday high
Updated 19 November 2024
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Pakistan Stock Exchange crosses 96,000 to hit record intraday high

Pakistan Stock Exchange crosses 96,000 to hit record intraday high
  • Higher remittances, exports, foreign investment credited for bullish activity, analysts say
  • Stock Exchange witnessing bullish trend since government slashed policy rate this month

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange on Tuesday surged past 96,000 points to hit a record high in intraday trading, with analysts attributing the rally to a current account surplus in October due to higher remittances, exports and foreign direct investment.

The benchmark KSE-100 index climbed to a record 935.66 points or 0.98 percent to stand at 95,931.33 from the previous close of 94,995.67 points. It touched the 96,036.48 mark for the first time at 2:44pm PST. 

Ahsan Mehanti at the Arif Habib Corporation told Arab News potential investors had weighed surging foreign reserves as well as government decisions over reforms for loss-making state-owned enterprises, independent power producers and energy pricing.

“Stocks bullish on reports of current account surplus of $349 million in Oct. 2024 on higher remittances, exports and FDI rising by 32pc to $904m for Jul-Oct. 2024,” he said. “The next triggers could be easing political noise amid protest calls by opposition.”

Pakistan’s external current account recorded a surplus of $349 million in October 2024, marking the third consecutive month of surplus and the highest in this period. The current account reflects a nation’s transactions with the world, encompassing net trade in goods and services, net earnings on cross-border investments and net transfer payments. 

A surplus indicates that a country is exporting more than it is importing, thereby strengthening its foreign exchange reserves.

A bullish trend has been observed at the stock market since Pakistan’s central bank cut its key policy rate by 250 basis points, bringing it to 15 percent earlier this month. It’s economic indicators have also steadily improved since securing a 37-month, $7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September.

Before this, the country went through a prolonged economic crisis that drained its foreign exchange reserves and saw its currency weaken amid double-digit inflation.

Last year, Pakistan narrowly avoided a sovereign default by clinching a last-gasp $3 billion IMF bailout deal. 


Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Co. launches 11 residential projects in Riyadh’s Khuzam area

Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Co. launches 11 residential projects in Riyadh’s Khuzam area
Updated 19 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Co. launches 11 residential projects in Riyadh’s Khuzam area

Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Co. launches 11 residential projects in Riyadh’s Khuzam area

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Co. has launched 11 projects in Riyadh’s Khuzam area, offering over 10,000 units to meet growing demand for quality housing in the Kingdom. 

These developments, including modern designs, are part of NHC’s strategic push to diversify housing supply and address the varied needs of Saudi families. 

The projects range from luxurious villas to contemporary apartments, catering to different client needs, according to a press release. 

These include Khuzam Park Residence, with units up to 379 sq. meters, and Tala Khuzam, offering units as large as 430 sq. meters. Additionally, the Tala Khuzam project features units as small as 219 sq. meters. 

NHC, one of the leading developers of suburban and residential areas in Saudi Arabia, plays an important role in the real estate sector, focusing on improving quality of life and expanding housing supply across the Kingdom. 

These efforts are aligned with Vision 2030, which aims to raise homeownership among Saudi families to 70 percent. 

The company also announced the Eyal Khuzam project which offers luxury units up to 796 sq. meters, while Jawharat Khuzam 1 boasts units up to 929 sq. meters. The Nafah project offers units up to 600 sq. meters. 

Within the Regan compound, which was unveiled at the Cityscape exhibition earlier this month, NHC introduced Rasin Rejan Hills and Ewan Rejan projects, with residential units up to 435 sq. meters. The company said both developments feature high privacy, 24/7 security, and are positioned as ideal living spaces in Khuzam. 

Additionally, NHC launched the Azyan Khuzam project, offering units from 200 to 471 sq. meters, and the Jadaya project, with units up to 538 sq. meters. The Ewan Khuzam project includes villas of up to 594 sq. meters. 

NHC emphasizes its commitment to maintaining quality standards with thoughtful designs and well-integrated infrastructure, including educational, health care, sports, cultural, and commercial amenities, as well as green spaces. 

Over the course of the four-day Cityscape exhibition, NHC signed more than 38 agreements worth over SR5 billion ($1.33 billion) in the supply chain sector. 

These agreements, which involve both local and international companies, cover various areas including logistics services, securing essential materials, and localizing industries within the sector.