Al-Qasabi: Over 70% of Saudi Investor Problems in Egypt Have Been Resolved

Egypt Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly meets with Saudi Commerce Minister Majed Al-Qasabi and his accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egypt Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly meets with Saudi Commerce Minister Majed Al-Qasabi and his accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Al-Qasabi: Over 70% of Saudi Investor Problems in Egypt Have Been Resolved

Egypt Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly meets with Saudi Commerce Minister Majed Al-Qasabi and his accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egypt Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly meets with Saudi Commerce Minister Majed Al-Qasabi and his accompanying delegation. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid al-Qasabi said more than 70 percent of the problems facing Saudi investors in Egypt have been solved.

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly received a Saudi delegation led by the Saudi Minister and included Chairman of the Saudi-Egyptian Business Council Bandar al-Amiri, several Saudi businessmen, Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) Hossam Heiba, and Ambassador Osama al-Nugali.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance economic and trade partnership between Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Saudi Minister and his accompanying delegation, stressing the strength of the bilateral relations between Egypt and the Kingdom.

Madbouly indicated that cooperation between them will continue to serve common issues.

He stressed that Egypt continues to improve the investment climate, removing obstacles, and resolving investor issues.

For his part, Qasabi explained that the Egyptian government is trying to solve the remaining issues.

He confirmed that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, have issued directives to continue cooperation with Egypt and increase Saudi investments in its markets.

The accompanying delegation included 91 Saudi businessmen, said Qasabi, noting that they held meetings with Egyptian officials, and as a result, they developed three paths for cooperation.

The first path includes investment in the industrial sector with the aim of integration.

The chambers of commerce of the two countries and the Businessmen Association agreed to identify opportunities and determine priorities, said Qasabi, adding that they would develop a clear roadmap to promote the opportunities.

The second track discusses integration to implement projects by Egyptian and Saudi ministries through integration between their governments.

The final addressed institutional work between Saudi Arabia and Egypt to define the roles of business and chambers of commerce and the tasks assigned to them.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.