Saudi Arabia Selected as IMFC Chair

The International Monetary Fund announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected to Chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC). (SPA)
The International Monetary Fund announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected to Chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC). (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Selected as IMFC Chair

The International Monetary Fund announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected to Chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC). (SPA)
The International Monetary Fund announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected to Chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC). (SPA)

The International Monetary Fund announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected to Chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), SPA said.
IMFC provides support to the IMF Board of Governors on the supervision and management of the international monetary and financial system, including on responses to unfolding events that may disrupt the system.
"The Kingdom's chairmanship of the IMFC for 2024-2027 reflects the trust of the international community in the Kingdom's leadership globally and regionally, and the pivotal role it plays in promoting international multilateral efforts," Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan said.
"I thank the Former Chair of the IMFC, Ms. Nadia Calvino, for her accomplishments during her term, and I look forward to working with the IMFC members and the IMF management to promote the stability and effectiveness of the international monetary and financial system," the Minister added.
The IMFC deliberates on the matters concerning the growth and stability of the global economy, and has become a key instrument for providing strategic direction to the work and policies of the IMF.
The Committee has 24 members, comprising finance ministers and central bank governors, and operates by consensus, including on the selection of its Chair. The Committee usually meets twice a year—at the IMF and World Bank Group Annual and Spring Meetings.
The Kingdom's chairmanship of the IMFC reaffirms its strong commitment to promoting multilateralism, and reflects the leading role it plays towards supporting regional and global economic growth.



Saudi Arabia, Italy Sign 26 Investment MoUs

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Italy Sign 26 Investment MoUs

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday, with the participation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, CEOs, private sector leaders, and representatives from major companies of both countries.

The meeting highlighted the expanding partnership between the two countries and resulted in the signing of 26 memoranda of understanding across key industries, including construction, renewable energy, cultural exchange, and advanced technologies.

It also explored collaborative prospects in green energy, automotive manufacturing, infrastructure development, tourism, agrifood, solar and wind energy projects, sustainable tourism initiatives, and advanced construction technologies.

Italian businesses highlighted their aim to capitalize on an estimated SAR11.8 trillion in Saudi inward investment over the next six years.

Heritage tourism was also a key focus, with participants highlighting Italy’s expertise and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global travel destination. As the Kingdom plans to create 1.6 million tourism jobs by 2030, Saudi-Italian partnerships are poised to drive skills development, promote sustainable tourism, and expand opportunities in the private sector.

In 2023, Saudi exports to Italy reached SAR18.5 billion, driven primarily by mineral fuels and petrochemicals, while imports from Italy totaled SAR22 billion, reflecting strong demand for Italian products such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, and advanced engineering solutions.

In 2024, 63 investment licenses were granted to Italian firms in the Kingdom—an increase of 110% over the previous year—underscoring the rising Italian interest in advanced manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy.