PIF, Saudi Electricity Company Announce Launch of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)
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PIF, Saudi Electricity Company Announce Launch of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) said on Sunday that it has partnered with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to launch an electric vehicle infrastructure company.

"PIF will own a 75% stake in the Company, while SEC will hold the remaining 25% stake," the sovereign wealth fund said in a statement.

The company aims to deliver best-in-class electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, further unlocking the local automotive ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of EVs. It plans to establish presence in more than 1,000 locations, installing over 5,000 fast chargers by 2030 in cities across Saudi Arabia and on the roads that connect them, in line with applicable regulations and standards.

The company also aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s automotive ecosystem, through collaboration with EV companies, by supplying the necessary charging stations to meet future demand. It seeks to promote private sector participation in the development of its network of charging stations and support the localization of R&D and manufacturing of technologically advanced materials, ultimately building domestic expertise and resilience.

“The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company will spearhead the EV transition by deploying best-in-class, widely available EV charging infrastructure to drive the growth of the EV ecosystem. Through our partnership with SEC, we will be able to accelerate the creation of synergies across the EV supply chain, driving economic growth and diversification in line with Vision 2030, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the new electrified era of the automotive industry,” said Omar Al-Madhi, Co-Head of MENA Direct Investments at PIF.

Khalid Bin Hamad Al-Gnoon, Chief Executive Officer at SEC, said: “SEC, as part of the nation’s wider energy ecosystem, develops and implements strategies that aim to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a sustainable energy leader, in line with the Kingdom’s efforts to promote advanced energy solutions and increase the value added by the energy sector.”

The launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company is in line with PIF’s strategy to expand Saudi Arabia’s automotive capabilities to promote the country’s competitiveness on the world stage, and ultimately position it as a global leader. It will aim to further Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts, driving non-oil GDP growth and creating new jobs.



Saudi Debt Market Doubles to $213.3 Bn

Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) Mohammed Al-Quwaiz takes part in the Debt Markets and Derivatives Forum 2024 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) Mohammed Al-Quwaiz takes part in the Debt Markets and Derivatives Forum 2024 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Debt Market Doubles to $213.3 Bn

Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) Mohammed Al-Quwaiz takes part in the Debt Markets and Derivatives Forum 2024 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) Mohammed Al-Quwaiz takes part in the Debt Markets and Derivatives Forum 2024 in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s debt market has doubled to nearly SAR 800 billion ($213.3 billion) by the end of last year, up from SAR 400 billion ($106.6 billion) in 2019, following regulatory reforms under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Sukuk issuances rose by 40%, while liquidity grew by over SAR 2.5 billion ($666 million).

Mohammed Al-Quwaiz, Chairman of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), shared these updates during the Debt Markets and Derivatives Forum 2024 (DMDF 2024) in Riyadh on Sunday.

He said Saudi Arabia’s debt markets are becoming more attractive globally and are nearing a significant milestone under Vision 2030.

Al-Quwaiz noted that global debt markets are worth between $140 trillion and $150 trillion, compared to $115 trillion for equity markets.

He added that Saudi Arabia aims to join more global indices to attract foreign investment.

The focus now is on expanding the debt market’s reach, which is becoming more open to foreign investors than the stock market. Vision 2030 and its projects have also driven up borrowing demand.

Al-Quwaiz noted that bank financing is still the main borrowing source in Saudi Arabia, but the country has started using the debt market as well.

“We’ve seen significant growth in the stock market’s role in financing, and now the debt market is taking shape,” he said.

He explained that the debt market is built on three key foundations: the 2018 Bankruptcy Law, the creation of the National Debt Management Center, and the establishment of the National Committee for Debt Market Development.

This committee, led by the CMA, includes the Saudi Central Bank, the Financial Sector Development Program, the National Debt Management Center, and Tadawul, all crucial to the market’s regulatory and operational structure.

Khlood Al-Dukheil, CEO of Financial Analytics, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the debt market is vital for emerging economies as it provides companies with liquidity and investment opportunities.

“In Saudi Arabia, we are still in the early stages of developing this market,” she said.

“Initially, the government was the main beneficiary, but for the market to grow and deepen, it must also serve private companies and other sectors,” added Al-Dukheil.

The DMDF 2024 featured discussions where leaders from major financial firms talked about the improvements in Saudi Arabia’s debt market.

In a panel discussion called “New Horizons for the Debt Market,” CEO of Edaa, the Saudi central securities depository, Hanan al-Shehri noted that debt market issuances are now six times higher than those in the equity market, indicating significant progress.

Waleed Al-Rashed, CEO of Al Rajhi Capital, said debt investments are less risky than stocks or alternative investments, with returns between 5% and 8%, making them a solid choice for investors.

Majeed Al-Abduljabbar, CEO of the Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company, explained that the debt market helps provide liquidity, boosting economic growth and investment diversity.