China-Saudi Investment Conference to Kick off in Beijing Next Tuesday

Saudi Arabia is seeking to increase investments and trade exchange worldwide. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia is seeking to increase investments and trade exchange worldwide. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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China-Saudi Investment Conference to Kick off in Beijing Next Tuesday

Saudi Arabia is seeking to increase investments and trade exchange worldwide. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia is seeking to increase investments and trade exchange worldwide. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

China will be hosting the China-Saudi Investment Conference in Beijing next Tuesday, SPA said on Saturday.
The Ministry of Investment is organizing the event in coordination with the China Chamber of Commerce for the Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME).
The event will take place on the sidelines of a visit by Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih to China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from 7 - 12 December 2023.
This conference aims to enhance the existing strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China in investment, trade, and the economy. It is aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships and advance trade and investment activities in various fields.
The conference also supports the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia with Africa and Europe.
More than 700 attendees, including high-level government representatives, senior officials, CEOs, investors, and entrepreneurs, are anticipated at the conference. Their focus will center on reviewing and discussing investment opportunities and initiatives aimed at fostering increased cooperation between the two countries.
The conference agenda includes dialogue sessions covering various topics, such as clean energy, finance, investment, mining, metals, tourism, entertainment, food security, agriculture, logistics services, shipping, supply chains, digital economy, artificial intelligence, modern manufacturing industries, and advanced technology through workshops.
In addition to the conference, the minister will embark on visits to several Chinese cities to meet with business leaders in those regions. Technical teams from the Ministry will conduct workshops and field visits in these cities to explore cooperation opportunities aimed at enhancing economic and investment relations. Participation is expected from representatives in both the government and private sectors.
During the recent Asia Future Investment Initiative (FII) Priority Summit held in Hong Kong, the Minister of Investment took part in a symposium. Here, he emphasized the pivotal role of the Middle East region in fostering prosperity among Southern countries. He stressed the significance of energy and digital transformation as tools for achieving development leading the region towards globalization.
The diplomatic ties between the Kingdom and China span over 30 years, with China currently being Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner. The trade and investment between the two nations have shown significant growth in recent years.



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.