Saudi Initiatives Contributing to Creating a Sustainable Future Through Space

Expected space economy revenues to reach around one trillion dollars by 2040 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Expected space economy revenues to reach around one trillion dollars by 2040 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Initiatives Contributing to Creating a Sustainable Future Through Space

Expected space economy revenues to reach around one trillion dollars by 2040 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Expected space economy revenues to reach around one trillion dollars by 2040 (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has achieved 96% of the targets set by the “Connect 2030” program, established by the International Telecommunication Union. This program aims to attain the Sustainable Development Goals by leveraging communication and technological services.

 

According to a report released by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission on Sunday, the Kingdom is making significant strides in contributing to a sustainable future through space initiatives.

Saudi Arabia has accomplished a 100% success rate in various domains under the “Connect 2030” program, notably in terms of inclusivity by bridging the digital divide and providing widespread access to broadband services.

Additionally, the Kingdom excelled in forming partnerships by enhancing collaboration between International Telecommunication Union members and all stakeholders to support strategic objectives.

Saudi Arabia also achieved a 100% growth rate by enabling and enhancing access to communication and technology, fostering the digital economy, society, and promoting innovation in communications and technology to support societal digital transformation.

In terms of sustainability, Saudi Arabia scored 80% in risk management, addressing challenges and emerging opportunities resulting from the rapid growth of communications and technology.

According to the report, there were 87 local digital products launched in the past year, with 11 companies accepted, including five international ones.

The Communications, Space and Technology Commission had declared that Saudi Arabia is the world’s first country to successfully test the fifth-generation technology using a high-altitude platform system.

During the past year, the Kingdom advanced the principles of sustainability, making strides in empowering women and promoting environmental initiatives and renewable energy.

The telecommunications, space, and technology sector played a significant role in numerous achievements, including launching initiatives to reduce electronic waste and carbon emissions, expanding communication services to bridge the digital divide and facilitate modern technologies, as well as building capacity and empowering women.

The representation of women in leadership positions in the telecommunications and technology sector reached 23.60%, and 41,000 women were empowered to seize new opportunities.



China to US: 'Market Has Spoken' after Tariffs Spur Selloff

US and Chinese flags and a label with the word "34% Tariffs" are seen in this illustration taken, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
US and Chinese flags and a label with the word "34% Tariffs" are seen in this illustration taken, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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China to US: 'Market Has Spoken' after Tariffs Spur Selloff

US and Chinese flags and a label with the word "34% Tariffs" are seen in this illustration taken, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
US and Chinese flags and a label with the word "34% Tariffs" are seen in this illustration taken, April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

China said on Saturday "the market has spoken" in rejecting US President Donald Trump's tariffs, and called on Washington for "equal-footed consultation" after global markets plunged in reaction to the trade levies that drew Chinese retaliation.

Several Chinese commerce associations in industries from healthcare and textiles to electronics also issued statements on Saturday calling for unity in exploring alternative markets and saying the tariffs would worsen inflation in the United States.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan told public broadcaster RTHK, however, Hong Kong would not impose separate countermeasures, citing the need for the city to remain "free and open".

"The market has spoken," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in a post on Facebook on Saturday. He also posted a picture capturing Friday's falls on US markets, Reuters reported.

Trump introduced additional 34% tariffs on Chinese goods as part of steep levies imposed on most US trade partners, bringing the total duties on China this year to 54%.

Trump also closed a trade loophole that had allowed low-value packages from China to enter the US duty-free.

This prompted retaliation from China on Friday, including extra levies of 34% on all US goods and export curbs on some rare earths, escalating the trade war between the world's two largest economies.

Global stock markets plummeted following China's retaliation and Trump's comments on Friday that he would not change course, extending sharp losses that followed Trump's initial tariff announcement earlier in the week and marking the biggest losses since the pandemic. For the week, the S&P 500 was down 9%.

"Now is the time for the US to stop doing the wrong things and resolve the differences with trading partners through equal-footed consultation," Guo wrote in English.

China's chamber of commerce, representing traders in food products, called on "China's food and agricultural products import and export industry to unite and strengthen cooperation to jointly explore domestic and foreign markets".

Hong Kong's Chan said it strongly opposes Trump's actions and would persist in being "free and open".

"Allowing a free flow of capital and acting as a free port are our advantages, and this will not change," Chan told public broadcaster RTHK.

"The rules-based multilateral trading system is our core," he said.