Saudi investment minister due in Pakistan to finalize $2bn business proposals

Saudi investment minister due in Pakistan to finalize $2bn business proposals
In this file photo, taken on Feb. 15, 2019, Pakistani commuters drive their vehicles under a banner welcoming Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman displayed on a bridge, ahead of his arrival in 2019, in Islamabad. AFP/File
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Updated 09 October 2024
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Saudi investment minister due in Pakistan to finalize $2bn business proposals

Saudi investment minister due in Pakistan to finalize $2bn business proposals
  • Saudi Arabia’s investment minister is scheduled to visit Pakistan from Oct. 9-11 ahead of the SCO Summit
  • Pakistan’s deputy PM says Saudi Arabia has been ‘rock solid’ in helping country navigate economic challenges

ISLAMABAD: A high-level Saudi delegation, led by the Kingdom’s Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, will arrive in Pakistan on Oct. 9 for a three-day visit during which $2 billion in business-to-business investment proposals are expected to be finalized.

Pakistan’s foreign office confirmed Al-Falih’s visit from earlier this week, noting that he would be accompanied by a high-level delegation. The visit by the Saudi minister and his team comes ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit set to be held from Oct. 15-16 and aims to enhance economic collaboration between the two countries.

Addressing his cabinet ahead of the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the anticipated signing of $2 billion worth of agreements with the incoming Saudi delegation. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke about it at a ceremony in the federal capital.

“The Saudi Minister for Investment will arrive on Wednesday to finalize various business-to-business investment proposals, which are estimated to exceed $2 billion,” Dar said on Tuesday.

“In recent times, Saudi Arabia has remained rock solid in helping us navigate difficult economic challenges,” he continued, adding the Kingdom’s support had been critical in enabling Pakistan to stand on its own feet.

“The two countries are on a path to forge ever closer strategic cooperation between people of the two countries,” he said.

Dar emphasized the need for both countries to maintain the current momentum in their bilateral relations to achieve the vision of their leaders, where both nations grow together into stronger and more prosperous states.

“On behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan, I extend my deep and sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continued support and assistance to Pakistan in good times as well as in difficult phases,” he said.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been working closely in recent months to increase bilateral trade and investment deals, with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment earlier this year to expedite a $5 billion investment package for the South Asian country.

Pakistan has been seeking closer cooperation in trade, defense, energy and other sectors with regional allies as it aims to recover from a prolonged economic crisis that has drained its foreign exchange reserves and weakened its currency.


Saudi-Pakistan business deals enhanced to $2.8bn, says Al-Falih

Saudi-Pakistan business deals enhanced to $2.8bn, says Al-Falih
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi-Pakistan business deals enhanced to $2.8bn, says Al-Falih

Saudi-Pakistan business deals enhanced to $2.8bn, says Al-Falih

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Minister for Investment Khalid Al-Falih said on Wednesday $2.2 billion in agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between Saudi and Pakistani businesses earlier this month had been enhanced to $2.8 billion.

The business-to-business collaborations were signed on Oct. 10 during Al-Falih’s visit to Islamabad with a delegation of top investors and entrepreneurs from the Kingdom.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on a two-day visit to Riyadh where he attended the Future Investment Initiative forum on Tuesday and also held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who earlier this year reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to expedite a $5 billion investment package for Pakistan.

“When we came to Pakistan, we concluded in three days 27 MoUs valued at $2.2 billion,” Al-Falih said in a televised press talk with Sharif. 

“And I mentioned during that time at various events that this was only the beginning. To prove that, here we are two or three weeks later, and I would like that that number has increased from 27 MoUs and agreements to 34 MoUs.

“So, we have been able to add another seven, almost two per week. And I think more importantly, the value of those agreements has also increased to $2.8 billion.”

The Saudi minister said five agreements signed during his trip to Pakistan were already operational and had resulted in exports from the South Asian state to the Kingdom. Al-Falih said Saudi Arabia would also absorb a greater and more qualified Pakistani workforce, especially in the health sector, in the foreseeable future.

“Remittances back to Pakistan will be on the rise,” the official said. “The first results will be seen in the next few weeks.”

Al-Falih said Saudi Arabia would also seek help from Pakistani technology firms to transform the way digital artificial intelligence was used for business and the economy.

Sharif thanked the Saudi government, especially Crown Prince Mohammed, for helping Pakistan secure a $7 billion International Monetary Fund program last month by helping Islamabad meet its external financing needs.

The PM added that he planned to return to Saudi Arabia next month for more discussions on bilateral engagements.

“Together we are marching forward, together we are strengthening our brotherly relations,” he said.

The Pakistani PM’s visit takes place at a time when Islamabad is seeking to strengthen trade and investment ties with friendly nations, particularly the Kingdom, which has promised a $5 billion investment package that cash-strapped Pakistan desperately needs to shore up its dwindling foreign reserves and fight a chronic balance of payment crisis.


Saudi Arabia emerges as a key destination for global finance, says top banker

Saudi Arabia emerges as a key destination for global finance, says top banker
Updated 28 min 39 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia emerges as a key destination for global finance, says top banker

Saudi Arabia emerges as a key destination for global finance, says top banker

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is emerging as a hub for global finance and investment, according to a Standard Chartered Bank official.

In an interview with Arab News at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank for the Middle East, UAE, and Pakistan, emphasized the significance of FII as a platform uniting key financial players. She mentioned that attendance has grown from 7,000 in 2023 to around 9,000 in 2024.

“You could see it’s able to attract the fund managers, the bankers, the credit agencies, as well as the Saudi ink. It’s a platform where you meet all the Saudi ink. You learn about what investment Saudi requires. What are their plans in terms of expansion,” she said.

Discussing the Kingdom’s infrastructure and growth initiatives, Abu Manneh highlighted the appeal for contractors, banks, and export credit agencies to collaborate on significant projects like the Red Sea initiative.

“This is where you would have the contractors, the ECAs, and the banks coming in together to put facilities in place,” she added.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Aramco are also generating interest from equity and debt investors worldwide, driven by their expansion and monetization strategies. “From that angle, there’s opportunity for everybody for equity, for the investments as well as for the debt,” Abu Manneh explained.

She stressed the need for Saudi entities to diversify their funding sources, especially as the Kingdom develops its infrastructure. “It’s very important for them, the Saudi ink, to diversify their funding base and not rely only on the debt capital market,” she explained.

Abu Manneh noted that China has shown significant interest in Saudi projects. “China is looking to come and invest in the Saudi markets,” she said, adding that Chinese companies and banks are keen to establish a presence in the Kingdom.

The bank is pursuing its digital transformation to adapt to changing customer expectations, with substantial investments in AI (artificial intelligence) and digitization. “Because if we don’t do this, frankly, all banks will just disappear,” Abu Manneh remarked.

She added that while AI could enhance customer service and documentation processes, it won't fully replace human interaction, particularly in private banking.


Saudi Arabia launches digital platform to aid ocean health monitoring

Saudi Arabia launches digital platform to aid ocean health monitoring
Updated 18 min 3 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia launches digital platform to aid ocean health monitoring

Saudi Arabia launches digital platform to aid ocean health monitoring

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has unveiled Ocean Central, a first-of-its-kind digital platform offering a view of marine health to aid global regeneration efforts. 

The platform, revealed at the Future Investment Initiative by the Kingdom’s Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar, was developed in partnership with Wave to integrate data, design, storytelling, and strategy into accessible insights. 

Ocean Central allows users worldwide to understand health trends of the sea, identify data gaps, and work toward comprehensive restoration.

Princess Reema highlighted the need for shared understanding and collaboration to achieve ambitious ocean regeneration goals. 

“Countries are setting ambitious targets to regenerate a thriving ocean, but what’s been missing is a clear view of the journey,” she said. 

The ambassador continued: “By working together and leveraging data, Ocean Central will act as a catalyst for ocean regeneration by highlighting successful initiatives, identifying gaps in ocean data, and building a shared understanding of the ocean.”

The platform aligns with global objectives, integrating targets from the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the 2015 Paris Agreement, to track both 2030 and 2050 milestones toward a regenerated ocean. 

It facilitates the collection and analysis of data on marine biodiversity, coastal preservation, and other key areas to drive informed action.

Princess Reema called for global collaboration, urging individuals, scientific communities, and industries to unite in the endeavor. 

“Together, we can build a collective understanding of ocean health and ensure a thriving ocean by 2050.” she said.

In a panel discussion alongside Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano, Princess Reema said: “We all know that the health of our planet and our oceans and our ecosystems are all connected to our well-being.”

She said the ocean-related industries generate over $2.5 trillion economic value per year globally, supporting the livelihoods of 3 billion people in industries that include seafood, port construction, and coastal tourism.

The Saudi envoy reiterated that economies can grow “but not at the expense of the ocean,” adding that “the investment in the blue economy has a trifecta of positive impact.”

 She added: “This collaboration of well-being and economic investment in coastal communities really can be considered as part of the toolkit that can restore the damage that has been done to oceans. You don't have to have it separated. It's all one and the same.”

Pagano emphasized: “I think we've taken our oceans far too for far too long, for granted.”

 


Riyadh Air orders 60 next-generation Airbus A321 aircraft

Riyadh Air orders 60 next-generation Airbus A321 aircraft
Updated 24 min 20 sec ago
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Riyadh Air orders 60 next-generation Airbus A321 aircraft

Riyadh Air orders 60 next-generation Airbus A321 aircraft
  • Strengthening the operations of Riyadh Air is crucial for Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom is evolving itself as a global tourism destination
  • New order will also support the airline’s long-term goal of creating 200,000 jobs and delivering enhanced connectivity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has signed an agreement to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft, as it plans to commence its operations in 2025. 

According to a press statement, the deal was signed by Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, and Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft of Airbus, at the 8th Future Investment Initiative in the Kingdom’s capital city.  

Strengthening the operations of Riyadh Air is crucial for Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom is evolving as a global tourism destination, aligned with the economic diversification goals outlined in the Vision 2030 program. 

In September, the airline launched its first non-commercial flight from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport as part of the certification process.

Last year, the airlines had ordered 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners with options for 33 more, thus bringing the estimated fleet capacity to 132.

The Airbus A321neo airliner is widely considered the most sustainable and efficient aircraft in the aviation industry. AN/Abdulrahman bin Shalhuob

“We are pleased to embark on another key milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey with the carrier’s second major fleet order, this time in partnership with Airbus,” said Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF and chairman of Riyadh Air. 

He added: “This deal underlines the airline’s ambitious intentions in advance of next year’s launch as it builds a comprehensive international network and establishes Riyadh as a major strategic global aviation hub.”

The Airbus A321neo airliner is widely considered the most sustainable and efficient aircraft in the aviation industry, and it is expected to fulfill Riyadh Air’s ambition to cover 100 destinations worldwide by the end of this decade, the press statement said. 

Riyadh Air added that the new order will also support the airline’s long-term goal of creating 200,000 jobs and delivering enhanced connectivity to Riyadh to the world. 

“This order will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will also ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most sustainable fleets in the industry and be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its net-zero emissions goals,” said the CEO of Riyadh Air. 

Douglas added: “This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s newest airline on both a global and local scale and helps facilitate the fast-growing local aviation ecosystem.” 

The chief of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said that the latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to Riyadh Air’s operations and comfort to its passengers. 

“We look forward to working together to support the incredible growth of Saudi aviation,” added Scherer. 


Saudi aviation to enhance innovation, sustainability through new alliance

Saudi aviation to enhance innovation, sustainability through new alliance
Updated 23 min 34 sec ago
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Saudi aviation to enhance innovation, sustainability through new alliance

Saudi aviation to enhance innovation, sustainability through new alliance
  • Parties inked the agreement on the sidelines of the eighth edition of the FII in Riyadh
  • KSIADC will join an extensive network dedicated to developing solutions for worldwide challenges through FII’s platform and global connections

JEDDAH: The Saudi aviation sector will benefit from a strategic alliance between the King Salman International Airport Development Co. and the Future Investment Initiative Institute to enhance innovation and sustainability.

The two parties inked the agreement on the sidelines of the eighth edition of the FII in Riyadh, a gathering of global leaders and decision-makers in business, politics, and investment.

Marco Mejia, acting CEO of KSIADC, and Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute, attended the signing ceremony.

The KSIADC will join an extensive network dedicated to developing solutions for worldwide challenges through FII’s platform and global connections. KSIADC, one of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund firms, supports Vision 2030’s aim of establishing Riyadh as an international hub for transportation, trade, and tourism.

Developed in Riyadh, the airport will have six parallel runways and is expected to contribute SR27 billion ($7.18 billion) annually to the Kingdom’s non-oil gross domestic product.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh. AN/Abdulrahman bin Shalhuob

Mejia said: “King Salman International Airport is a pioneering project focused on delivering innovative, high-quality, and sustainable solutions,” he said.

He added that they are working to set new global standards in airport design and operations to become an international benchmark in aviation.

“This strategic partnership with the FII Institute will help achieve this goal, paving the way for a sustainable future that empowers humanity and protects the land,” he said.

KSIA will help drive annual passenger traffic in Saudi Arabia from the current 29 million to 120 million travelers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050, with aircraft traffic in the Kingdom increasing from 211,000 to more than 1 million flights per year.

The airport is among the ambitious projects supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, leveraging its strategic location connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, establishing Riyadh as a global destination for transportation, trade, and tourism.

The partnership is set to enhance the airport’s standing in innovation and sustainable development, underscoring its contribution to shaping the future of global aviation and building a sustainable world, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Attias welcomed KSIADC to the FII Initiative, adding that: “By joining, the company becomes part of a unique group of leading companies and organizations providing the expertise, strategies, and leadership needed to tackle contemporary global challenges and advance our mission to positively impact humanity.”