US Apache Plans $1.4 Bln Investments in Egypt in 2024

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly meets a delegation from the American company, Apache. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly meets a delegation from the American company, Apache. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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US Apache Plans $1.4 Bln Investments in Egypt in 2024

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly meets a delegation from the American company, Apache. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly meets a delegation from the American company, Apache. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The US-based energy company Apache Corporation plans to invest around $1.4 billion in Egypt in 2024, stated John Christmann, CEO and President of Apache's parent company APA Corporation, during a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

Christmann said Apache upgraded its work mechanisms in Egypt which contributed to increasing oil production by 10 percent to over 150,000 barrels per day.

Expressing a deep commitment to supporting the Egyptian government’s goals, Christman affirmed Apache’s dedication to sustaining its extended partnership with Egypt, according to a press release issued by the Egyptian cabinet on Sunday.

For 30 years, Apache has been the largest investor from the US in Egypt.

The PM expressed optimism about Apache’s potential to expand its investments in oil and gas exploration, even amid the global economic challenges that the world is grappling with.

Moreover, the discussions extended to Egypt’s ambitions to boost oil production further, leveraging modernization efforts and advanced exploration techniques to unlock new discoveries.

Minister of Petroleum, Engineer Tarek El Molla, reiterated the strategic significance of Apache’s partnership with Egypt.

El Molla emphasized the alignment of vision and objectives between the Egyptian oil sector and the energy giant. The collaboration between the two entities is aimed at increasing oil and gas production.



Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.