Saudi FSC Chief: Private Sector Keen to Utilize Available Opportunities to Boost Trade with Cuba

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT

Saudi FSC Chief: Private Sector Keen to Utilize Available Opportunities to Boost Trade with Cuba

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC) Hassan bin Mujib Al-Huwaizi said the private sector looks forward to boosting trade between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Cuba in light of the available opportunities, SPA said on Saturday.
Huwaizi expressed optimism about a promising future for trade and investment between the two countries as he met in Riyadh on Friday with Cuban Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Ricardo Cabrisas.
Cabrisas is on a visit to the Kingdom heading a delegation of government officials.
Huwaizi underscored the Saudi-Cuban determination to upgrade economic relations between the two countries, highlighting the important role of the Saudi and Cuban business sectors in advancing the path of economic cooperation.
Cabrisas noted the great incentives and protection that the Cuban investment act provides for foreign investors.
He added that discussions are underway with Saudi officials about banking cooperation and agreements to enhance investment between the two countries.
Trade exchange between the Kingdom and Cuba hit US$97 million in 2022, up by 190 percent from 2021.



German Coalition Reaches Breakthrough on 2025 Budget, Financial Plan

A German flag blows in the wind in front of a stack of containers at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A German flag blows in the wind in front of a stack of containers at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
TT

German Coalition Reaches Breakthrough on 2025 Budget, Financial Plan

A German flag blows in the wind in front of a stack of containers at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
A German flag blows in the wind in front of a stack of containers at the harbour in Hamburg, Germany, February 24, 2022. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

The leaders of Germany's three-party coalition on Friday achieved a breakthrough in negotiations on the national budget for 2025, dpa has learnt from government sources.

The coalition leaders have also reached a preliminary deal on a financial plan to secure additional economic growth of more than 0.5% - worth an estimated €26 million ($28 million) - in the coming year.

Sources told dpa that the coalition plans to stick with strict rules against budget deficits, known as the debt brake, banking on a significant increase in economic output to overcome shortfalls in government spending.

The breakthrough comes after weeks of negotiations between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Greens and Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP).

The key sticking point has been a €10 billion deficit in government expenditure, with Lindner's FDP refusing to sideline the debt brake to allow for additional borrowing and investments, and the SPD ruling out any cuts to welfare spending.

Sources told dpa that the new deal includes a supplementary budget totalling €11 billion to overcome lower-than-expected tax revenues and higher government spending.