Saudi Arabia to Expand Petrochemical Production, Energy Minister Says

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Reuters)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia to Expand Petrochemical Production, Energy Minister Says

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Reuters)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia is moving to expand the production of petrochemicals based on Chinese techniques for converting crude oil into petrochemicals, announced Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Wednesday.

Speaking at the third forum of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for International Cooperation in Beijing, the Minister said that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its impact on the global economy and on the supply and value chains.

It also showed the importance of complementary work between nations and the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of the approaches adopted by China and Saudi Arabia through the BRI and Vision 2030.

Prince Abdulaziz explained that 2022 witnessed the conclusion of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with China, and the alignment plan between Vision 2030 and the BRI to enhance cooperation and interconnection.

The Kingdom is a significant and reliable oil exporter to China, said the Minister, adding that Saudi Arabia is keen to maintain and enhance this relationship by boosting strategic ties.

Prince Abdulaziz explained that Riyadh and Beijing seek to enhance their cooperation in developing and sustaining supply chains and enabling companies to benefit from current and future infrastructure.

He explained that these efforts further bolster cooperation in several areas, such as the circular carbon economy and its technologies, which can effectively contribute to China’s aspirations to make the BRI a green initiative.

Saudi Arabia is determined to become one of the most important exporters of renewable energy and clean hydrogen to support the diversification of energy sources.

He pointed out that Saudi Arabia aims to become a global logistics center, recalling that by 2030, the Kingdom will have approximately 60 logistics regions to meet the needs of the worldwide supply chain.



IMF to Hold Conference on MENA in Cairo

A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, DC, US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS 
A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, DC, US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS 
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IMF to Hold Conference on MENA in Cairo

A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, DC, US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS 
A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, DC, US, November 24, 2024. REUTERS 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will hold the first annual Research Conference on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in Cairo, the global organization announced on Monday.

The conference aims to establish a forum for dialogue on pressing economic issues, promote policy-oriented academic research tailored to the needs and unique challenges of the region.

“Global shocks are adding to regional factors resulting in exceptionally uncertain economic environment for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) economies,” Jihad Azour, Director of the IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department and Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, IMF chief economist, said in a joint statement.

They said conflicts, trade tensions, volatile commodity prices, changing climate conditions, energy transitions, rapid technological advances are altering the economic landscape of the region, posing severe challenges but also presenting opportunities for bold reforms that safeguard macroeconomic stability, build resilience, and raise living standards for all.

Therefore, the statement said, economic research is essential to provide reliable analysis and develop workable and innovative policy responses.

In this context, Azour and Gourinchas announced that the IMF will organize the annual Economic Research Conference on MENA, partnering with leading universities in the region.

The aim is to establish a forum for dialogue on pressing economic issues, promote policy-oriented academic research tailored to the needs and unique challenges of the region.

It will also provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and insights for academics, researchers, and policymakers in the MENA region and worldwide.

The inaugural conference, Steering Macroeconomic and Structural Policies in A Shifting Global Economic Landscape, will be co-organized with Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo and take place in Cairo on May 18-19.

It will feature presentations and panel discussions by leading economists and policymakers, the statement said.