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PIF Provides Private Sector with $25.6 Bn Investment Opportunities

PIF Governor Yasser al-Rumayyan during his opening speech at the Private Sector Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
PIF Governor Yasser al-Rumayyan during his opening speech at the Private Sector Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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PIF Provides Private Sector with $25.6 Bn Investment Opportunities

PIF Governor Yasser al-Rumayyan during his opening speech at the Private Sector Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)
PIF Governor Yasser al-Rumayyan during his opening speech at the Private Sector Forum (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The value of private sector investments in portfolio companies and projects affiliated with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) amounted to $25.6 billion as of Q3 2023, announced Governor Yasser al-Rumayyan.
Rumayyan was speaking at the second edition of the PIF Private Sector Forum, which began on Tuesday at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center in Riyadh, aiming to strengthen partnerships and showcase opportunities for local cooperation in strategic sectors.
He stressed the importance of the Forum and the opportunities it provides to enhance cooperation with the private sector in achieving PIF strategic objectives.
He added that PIF continues to work as an engine for economic transformation in Saudi Arabia through the development of strategic sectors and the involvement of the private sector through initiatives that enhance its role as an investor, partner, and supplier.
He pointed to the role of the Public Investment Fund in supporting Vision 2030 goals, which aims to raise the private sector's contribution to GDP to 65%.
PIF has provided significant investment opportunities, and the value of private sector investments in portfolio companies and projects affiliated with PIF amounted to $25.6 billion as of the third quarter of 2023.
Meanwhile, the Head of the National Development Division at PIF, Jerry Todd, stated that achieving prosperity in the private sector is one of the essential goals of Vision 2030 and a key enabler for the Kingdom's economic transformation.
Todd stressed that PIF and its portfolio companies continue their commitment to support and enhance the private sector's growth.
In the first session, entitled "The Role of the Private Sector in Realizing Vision 2030," a panel of ministers discussed the importance of partnering with the private sector as an investor, operating partner, and supplier.
- Reaching 1Mn visitors
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed al-Khateeb revealed that the sector in the Kingdom achieved the goal of 100 million tourists during 2023, with 77 million local visitors and 27 million foreign tourists, who spent $26.6 billion.
Khateeb announced that the new strategy of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for Vision 2030 targets attracting 150 million tourists, including 80 million from within the Kingdom and 70 million from abroad.
He explained that the state committed to funding training programs, as more than 100,000 young men and women were trained annually, including 15,000 who joined the best global institutes to enter the tourism sector.
He said the Tourism Development Fund has financed over 50 projects worth SR35 billion since its establishment.
- National Academy of Vehicles
In the same dialogue session, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar al-Khorayef launched the first National Academy of Vehicles and Cars to develop capabilities in the electric vehicles industry.
Khorayef also announced the establishment of a new Automotive Manufacturers Association to boost the growth of the industrial sector.
Through the Association of Automotive Manufacturers and National Supply Chains, the Ministry also aims to raise awareness among local communities about the automotive industry sector and build human capabilities in manufacturing and maintaining cars with a high-tech ecosystem.
The Minister asserted that the Association and the Academy would help increase the contribution of significant projects in maximizing the benefit of local content and increasing imports.
From 2020 to 2022, the Kingdom's imports saw a 38 percent increase, while imports of products listed as mandatory during the same period were approximately 15 percent.
Moreover, the number of factories producing mandatory list products has reached 1,437 in three years.
Khorayef indicated that investments would accelerate growth by applying contemporary technologies and providing attractive job prospects, suggesting that the Kingdom will eventually become a technology exporter.
He referred to the Fund's role in launching the automobile industry in Saudi Arabia and bringing a larger number of international companies into the industry and its associated supply chains.
- Shipbuilding industry
For his part, Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih stated that the private sector is the main focus of economic diversification, which is the main focus of Vision 2030 executive and strategic programs.
Falih added during his participation in the panel that the economy is expected to grow from $693 billion to $1.7 trillion, equivalent to four times the private sector's contribution.
The Kingdom plans to launch the "Investor Confidence Index," which measures investor confidence levels biannually to provide insights into challenges and requirements for the private sector to grow, said Falih.
He also highlighted the Kingdom's stable legislative, regulatory, and legal environment, which fosters favorable and sustainable private sector development.
The Minister added that the world's shipbuilding industry will be in China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Russia in the coming decades.
He described the project as "pivotal," saying it is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to build an integrated industry.
- Financing Contractors
The Public Investment Fund, in partnership with the National Infrastructure Fund, launched the "Contractor Financing Program," aimed at mitigating risks in construction sector investments. It also seeks to strengthen the construction sector, promote a more integrated and transparent construction ecosystem, and enhance project structures.
Meanwhile, Emir of Aseer Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz unveiled at the Forum the operations of Asser Investment Company to transform the region into the number one tourist destination in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the General Real Estate Authority signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Public Investment Fund, aiming to empower the real estate market in the Kingdom.
The MoU enhances the role of technology and data, talent development, and regulatory policies in a way that contributes to developing the sector in the country.
The MoU includes enhancing technology and innovation by enabling four main centers that seek to position the Kingdom as a center for real estate technology.
- Local content
The first day of the Forum witnessed the presentation of the Musahama Award for the private sector, where five national companies were selected for their positive contribution to local content in their work with PIF portfolio companies, including al-Ayuni Investment and Contracting Company, Alfanar Group, Cisco, Ericsson, and Riyadh Cables Group Company.
Last year, the Public Investment Fund launched the Private Sector Forum as a comprehensive site for private sector companies to deal with the Fund and its portfolio companies in priority sectors.
The platform provided over 200 opportunities last year, with a value exceeding $5.3 billion.
The Fund established the National Development Division to enhance the participation of the private sector in its projects and portfolio companies.
Since 2017, the Fund has established 93 companies and created more than 644,000 direct and indirect jobs in various promising strategic sectors.
The Forum is the largest event of its kind for the private sector in the Kingdom and is attended by more than 8,000 participants.
The first day's sessions witnessed the presence of several ministers, senior officials, government agencies, and 80 representatives of the Fund's portfolio companies, with more than 100 pavilions.

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Business

Saudi EXIM Signs Line of Credit Agreement with Ziraat Bank of Türkiye

Saudi EXIM chief executive Saad bin Abdulaziz AlKhalb signed the agreement in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye. - SPA
Saudi EXIM chief executive Saad bin Abdulaziz AlKhalb signed the agreement in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye. - SPA
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Saudi EXIM Signs Line of Credit Agreement with Ziraat Bank of Türkiye

Saudi EXIM chief executive Saad bin Abdulaziz AlKhalb signed the agreement in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye. - SPA
Saudi EXIM chief executive Saad bin Abdulaziz AlKhalb signed the agreement in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye. - SPA

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) announced it signed a line of credit agreement worth $100 million with the Turkish Ziraat Bank, which aims at financing the export activities of Saudi non-oil products and services to Turkish markets.
The agreement comes within the EXIM’s efforts to empower the non-oil national economy and enhance the competitiveness of Saudi products in international markets, according to SPA.
Saudi EXIM chief executive Saad bin Abdulaziz AlKhalb signed the agreement in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye.
AlKhalb explained that the agreement comes within the framework of the bank’s efforts to strengthen international trade relations to open new markets for Saudi exporters to expand their activities and increase Saudi products and services to global markets, underlying the bank’s endeavor to achieve the targets of the Saudi Vision 2030 in creating a diversified and sustainable economy, maximizing the economic impact of export activities, and increasing Its contribution to non-oil gross domestic product (GDP) to 50% by 2030.

Business

Saudi Aramco Signs MoUs with US firms Aeroseal, Spiritus and Rondo

(FILES) This picture shows Aramco tower at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh on April 16, 2023. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)
(FILES) This picture shows Aramco tower at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh on April 16, 2023. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)
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Saudi Aramco Signs MoUs with US firms Aeroseal, Spiritus and Rondo

(FILES) This picture shows Aramco tower at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh on April 16, 2023. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)
(FILES) This picture shows Aramco tower at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh on April 16, 2023. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)

Saudi Aramco signed three memorandums of understanding (MOU) with US companies Aeroseal, Spiritus and Rondo, the state-owned oil giant said on Friday.

Under the MoU the companies will develop potential lower-carbon energy solutions, Aramco's statement said.

Aramco and Aeroseal agreed to deploy Aeroseal’s technology to expand its fleet and commercialize the technology in novel applications such as gas pipelines, the statement said.

With Spiritus, Aramco has agreed to explore opportunities in direct air capture to reduce energy needs.

The statement added that Aramco and Rondo agreed to explore deployment of heat batteries in Aramco’s global facilities to reduce operating costs and cut emissions.

The MoUs were signed during the visit of US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to Saudi Arabia.

Business

Morocco to Impose Anti-dumping Duty on Turkish Electric Ovens

A man waves a Turkish flag - REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
A man waves a Turkish flag - REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
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Morocco to Impose Anti-dumping Duty on Turkish Electric Ovens

A man waves a Turkish flag - REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
A man waves a Turkish flag - REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

Morocco's trade ministry plans to introduce an anti-dumping duty on electric ovens imported from Türkiye that would amount to 62% to protect the local market, a ministry source said on Friday.

However, Turkish brand ITIMAT will be subject to an import duty of 34%, the source said.

The dumping margin of Turkish oven makers stood at up to 71.4%, while that of ITIMAT was at 34%, the ministry said on its website.

Morocco and Türkiye signed a free trade agreement in 2004, Reuters reported.

The deal was amended in 2020 to introduce import duties on some Turkish goods following complaints by Moroccan textile manufacturers.

Business

Gold Heads for Second Weekly Gain, Extending Support to Silver and Platinum

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
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Gold Heads for Second Weekly Gain, Extending Support to Silver and Platinum

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices were on track for a second consecutive weekly gain on Friday due to improved interest rate cut expectations, providing support to silver and platinum, which are up 5.6% and 6.3%, respectively, this week.

Spot gold rose 0.5% to $2,387.85 per ounce by 1141 GMT. Bullion prices are up 1% so far this week after hitting a one-month high on Thursday.

"Signs that inflation may be slowing down raise the prospect of interest rate cuts in the coming months, which tend to support gold and silver prices," said Frank Watson, market analyst at Kinesis Money, Reuters reported.

On the demand side, expectations of continuing strong demand in China got a boost after the country announced more efforts to stabilize its crisis-hit property sector.

Demand in China, which contributed to the gold price rally in recent months, is becoming more crucial as the market is waiting to see if high gold prices prompt some central banks to slow down purchases and as outflows from physically backed gold exchange-traded funds continue.

Global central banks actively bought gold in 2022-2023, but the largest purchaser among them, China's central bank slowed down buying in April when spot gold prices hit a record high of $2,431.29.

"Central banks these days are much more nuanced in their buying behaviour and will alter the programme to be more opportunistic - that is to say buying on dips and scaling back on rallies," independent analyst Ross Norman said.

In the physical market, dealers were offering lower premiums in China and deeper discounts in India this week.

On the supply side, the 15% increase in gold price since the start of 2024 keeps margins robust for gold miners. According to the World Gold Council, gold miners' global average total expenses were at $1,342 per ounce in the last quarter of 2023.

Meanwhile, silver and platinum got support from higher prices for gold and base metals.

Spot silver rose 0.5% to $29.74 per ounce after hitting a more than three-year high and flirting with a major resistance level of $30 in the previous session.

Platinum lost 0.3% to $1,054.54, after hitting a one-year high on Thursday. The metal is up 6.3% so far this week due to continued structural deficits.

Palladium dropped 0.8% to $985.50, under pressure from rising market share of electric vehicles.

Business

Red Sea Int’l Airport in Saudi Launches 8 Weekly Flights

Group CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Group CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Red Sea Int’l Airport in Saudi Launches 8 Weekly Flights

Group CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Group CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s western region, which opened last year, is now buzzing with eight weekly flights connecting Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dubai.

The airport is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, “Vision 2030,” led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

It is meant to serve projects in the region developed by Red Sea Global (RSG).

RSG is one of the world’s most visionary developers, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.

The company is spearheading a new model of development, putting people and planet first and leveraging the most innovative concepts and technologies to deliver projects that actively enhance the well-being of customers, communities and environments.

Its portfolio includes two world-leading destinations announced by Crown Prince Mohammad, The Red Sea and Amaala.

Collectively, these responsible and regenerative tourism destinations will aim to enhance Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism and sustainability offering, going above and beyond to not only protect the natural environment, but to enhance it for future generations to come.

A cornerstone of Vision 2030, RSG will help transform the nation, creating significant economic opportunities for the people of Saudi Arabia and actively enhancing the Kingdom’s rich environmental and cultural heritage.

By 2030, the airport is expected to serve a million passengers annually, with a peak capacity of 900 passengers per hour for both domestic and international flights.

Domestic flights started in September 2023, followed by international flights from Dubai International Airport on April 18, 2024.

John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG, disclosed to Asharq Al-Awsat at the sidelines of the “GREAT FUTURES” conference in Riyadh that the company has already opened three tourist resorts.

He revealed plans for two more resorts to open later this year.

Pagano explained that RSG has made significant investments and struck diverse deals.

According to the group CEO, around 17 billion riyals ($4.5 billion) in funding and partnerships for infrastructure projects worth 20 billion riyals ($5.3 billion) have been secured.

Business

Saudi PIF Leads Integrated Effort to Build National Car Sector

Saudi PIF launched Saudi Arabia’s first electric car brand, “CEER,” in November 2022. (PIF)
Saudi PIF launched Saudi Arabia’s first electric car brand, “CEER,” in November 2022. (PIF)
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Saudi PIF Leads Integrated Effort to Build National Car Sector

Saudi PIF launched Saudi Arabia’s first electric car brand, “CEER,” in November 2022. (PIF)
Saudi PIF launched Saudi Arabia’s first electric car brand, “CEER,” in November 2022. (PIF)

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is making big moves to kickstart the Kingdom’s own car industry.

It launched Saudi Arabia’s first electric car brand, “CEER,” in November 2022 and is backing the National Automotive and Mobility Academy (NAFAM) while investing heavily in the car and mobility sector.

In one of its reports, PIF emphasized how this sector can create jobs, boost the economy beyond oil, and fill skill gaps regionally. The fund also aims to create opportunities for private businesses and push forward research and development.

Following Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s investments are driving economic growth and diversification.

PIF’s investment in the US electric vehicle company, Lucid, is a prime example. Lucid opened its first electric car factory in Saudi Arabia in September 2023, coinciding with CEER’s launch.

CEER recently announced a major deal worth about $1.3 billion for a new industrial complex.

According to CEER CEO Jim DeLuca the complex will set new industry standards both locally and globally. It will feature top-notch technologies, equipment, and staff, backed by partnerships with leading industry players like Durr, Schuler, and Siemens.

Mohammed Al-Shiha, who heads the Automotive and Mobility Sector at the Middle East and North Africa division of the fund, underscores their focus on future-ready tech. For cars, this means prioritizing electric and hydrogen vehicles for a greener future.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has laid a strong foundation for its car industry and is now shifting towards building its own suppliers. Examples include partnering with global giant Pirelli for top-notch tires and teaming up with Hyundai Motor to set up an advanced car plant.

Alongside global brands, the fund is launching a joint venture with the Saudi Electricity Company to establish “Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company.” Their aim is to provide fast charging services across the Kingdom by 2030.

Business

Saudi Arabia Launches Training Program to Combat Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing

Director-General of Saudi Arabia’s Financial Academy Mana bin Mohammed Al-Khamsan. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Director-General of Saudi Arabia’s Financial Academy Mana bin Mohammed Al-Khamsan. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Training Program to Combat Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing

Director-General of Saudi Arabia’s Financial Academy Mana bin Mohammed Al-Khamsan. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Director-General of Saudi Arabia’s Financial Academy Mana bin Mohammed Al-Khamsan. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new training program to fight money laundering and terrorism financing. The initiative targets leaders in financial and non-financial sectors across the country.

The announcement was made during the "Arab Forum for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units," a two-day event sponsored by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh.

The 18-month program aims to train personnel to better prevent, analyze, and report illegal activities. It also seeks to improve information sharing between financial institutions and regulatory bodies, bolstering the overall integrity of the financial system.

The program, presented by Mana bin Mohammed Al-Khamsan, Director-General of Saudi Arabia’s Financial Academy, is a joint effort with the Kingdom’s state security and an international consultancy.

Al-Khamsan stressed the importance of combating financial crimes and highlighted the academy’s commitment to providing specialized training and certifications.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, Vision 2030, the academy aims to support entities combating corruption and financial crimes. It has conducted over 500 training programs benefiting thousands of professionals from various sectors.

Al-Khamsan emphasized the value of professional certifications in boosting workforce efficiency, noting partnerships with respected international associations and institutions.

Business

Saudi Arabia Tops G20 Countries in Financial Regulation Compliance

The Arab Forum for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units was held over two days in Riyadh. (X)
The Arab Forum for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units was held over two days in Riyadh. (X)
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Saudi Arabia Tops G20 Countries in Financial Regulation Compliance

The Arab Forum for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units was held over two days in Riyadh. (X)
The Arab Forum for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units was held over two days in Riyadh. (X)

Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Al-Sayari announced that Saudi Arabia has the highest compliance in supervision and regulation among G20 countries. He warned that financial crimes are costly for countries, harming their financial stability and investment levels.

Al-Sayari spoke at the “Arab Forum for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Financial Intelligence Units,” a two-day event sponsored by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and held in Riyadh.

The forum aimed to strengthen cooperation and build capacity among agencies fighting financial crimes, money laundering, and terrorism financing in the Middle East and North Africa.

Al-Sayari highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s compliance with international anti-corruption and organized crime standards has strengthened the Kingdom’s financial system and increased trust.

He pointed out the effective measures taken against financial crimes and corruption, including preventive steps.

The Saudi Central Bank uses a comprehensive approach to balance growth with acceptable risk levels, ensuring financial stability and integrity, asserted the governor.

Al-Sayari stressed the importance of working closely with regulatory bodies and authorities, especially in combating financial crimes and corruption.

He also noted that Saudi Arabia’s financial regulators provide specialized training to employees, equipping them with the technological tools needed to detect crimes.

At the end of its sessions on Thursday, the forum issued recommendations for Arab countries to adopt a model agreement to boost local cooperation between anti-corruption agencies and financial intelligence units.

The forum suggested Arab countries promote this model agreement in international forums to showcase their efforts in fighting money laundering, terrorism financing, and related crimes, especially corruption.

The recommendations also called for stronger local and international cooperation to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and corruption.

This includes effectively implementing the UN Convention against Corruption and other relevant agreements.

The forum emphasized working with the private sector and building partnerships to protect societies from these crimes. It also highlighted the need for capacity building and knowledge enhancement through specialized courses, workshops, and the exchange of expertise.

Business

IMF Expects Iraq’s Economy to Grow by 1.4% in 2024, 5.3% in 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday that Iraq’s economy contracted by 2.2% in 2022, projecting a growth by 1.4% in 2024 and 5.3% in 2025. (AFP)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday that Iraq’s economy contracted by 2.2% in 2022, projecting a growth by 1.4% in 2024 and 5.3% in 2025. (AFP)
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IMF Expects Iraq’s Economy to Grow by 1.4% in 2024, 5.3% in 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday that Iraq’s economy contracted by 2.2% in 2022, projecting a growth by 1.4% in 2024 and 5.3% in 2025. (AFP)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday that Iraq’s economy contracted by 2.2% in 2022, projecting a growth by 1.4% in 2024 and 5.3% in 2025. (AFP)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday that Iraq’s economy contracted by 2.2% in 2022, projecting a growth by 1.4% in 2024 and 5.3% in 2025.

The international monetary organization expected fiscal deficit to widen to 7.6% of GDP in 2024 from 1.3% in 2023, noting that Iraq requires an ambitious fiscal adjustment to stabilize debt in the medium term and rebuild buffers.

The findings came in the context of the 2024 Article IV consultation with Iraq. The IMF released documents showing that domestic stability in the country has improved since the new government took office in October 2022, facilitating the passage of Iraq’s first three-year budget, which entailed a large fiscal expansion starting in 2023.

This supported the strong recovery in Iraq’s non-oil economy after a contraction in 2022, while the country was largely unaffected by the ongoing conflict in the region.

“Domestic inflation declined to 4% by end-2023, reflecting lower international food prices, the currency revaluation as of February 2023, and the normalization in trade finance. However, imbalances have worsened due to the large fiscal expansion and lower oil prices,” the IMF said in a statement.

Moreover, it said the ongoing fiscal expansion is expected to boost growth in 2024, at the expense of a further deterioration of fiscal and external accounts and Iraq’s vulnerability to oil price fluctuations.

“Without policy adjustment, the risk of medium-term sovereign debt stress is high and external stability risks could emerge. Key downside risks include much lower oil prices or a spread of the conflict in Gaza and Israel,” the IMF added.

In Iraq, real GDP growth would reach 1.4% in 2024 and accelerate to 5.3% in 2025, the IMF said, also projecting deficit to widen from 1.3% in 2023 to 7.6% of GDP in 2024.

It noted that Iraq’s public debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to reach 48.2% in 2024 and 54.6% in 2025.

IMF directors emphasized that a gradual, yet sizeable fiscal adjustment is needed to stabilize debt in the medium term and rebuild fiscal buffers.

They encouraged the authorities to focus on controlling the public wage bill, phasing out mandatory hiring policies, and mobilizing non-oil revenues, while better targeting social assistance.

The Directors agreed that prompt implementation of customs and revenue administration reforms, a full implementation of the Treasury Single Account, and a strict control and limit of the use of extrabudgetary funds and government guarantees are key to support fiscal consolidation.

Limiting monetary financing and reforming the pension system are also important, they stressed.

They commended the central bank’s efforts to tighten monetary policy and enhance its liquidity management framework. Improving coordination between fiscal and monetary operations would help absorb excess liquidity and bolster monetary policy transmission.

They concurred that accelerating the restructuring of the large state-owned banks is also essential.

They also encouraged further modernizing the private banking sector, including by facilitating the establishment of correspondent banking relationships, reducing regulatory uncertainties, and promoting efficiency and competitiveness of private banks.

Furthermore, they emphasized the need for structural reforms to unlock private sector development. They encouraged leveling the playing field between public and private jobs, boosting female labor force participation, and reforming education and labor laws.

The directors agreed that improving governance and combatting corruption are also key, in addition to bolstering public procurement and business regulations, and addressing electricity sector inefficiencies.

They welcomed the renewed efforts toward the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession and encouraged the authorities to improve the coverage and timeliness of statistics.

Business

Saudi Arabia, Slovenia Discuss Economic Cooperation

The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning has met with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning has met with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Slovenia Discuss Economic Cooperation

The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning has met with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning has met with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. SPA

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim has met with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon.

The two officials discussed their countries' ties, topics of mutual interest, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation.