Saudi Capital Market Forum to Host CONNECT Hong Kong Edition in May

Saudi Arabia represents 70% of the relative weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia represents 70% of the relative weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Capital Market Forum to Host CONNECT Hong Kong Edition in May

Saudi Arabia represents 70% of the relative weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia represents 70% of the relative weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Forum is set to enhance ties with China’s capital markets by venturing beyond borders to host the next edition in Hong Kong.
The Capital Market Forum — CONNECT Hong Kong, set for May 9 in the port city, was announced by Khalid Al-Hussan, CEO of Saudi Tadawul Group, during a fireside chat at the Riyadh forum.
The forum, designed to facilitate cross-border investments and foster collaboration, will feature a series of strategic discussions and networking platforms, inviting key financial minds and decision-makers.
Deputy of Financing and Investment Abdullah Binghannam revealed that the Kingdom has commenced its public consultation for the so-called “FMO” framework, aiming to enhance the market’s liquidity and accessibility.
During his participation in a dialogue session within the activities of the Forum, Professor Richard Cormack, Co-Head of Capital Markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and Co-Head of Investment Banking in the United Kingdom at Goldman Sachs, revealed the bank’s expectations that the weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets will reach to 10% on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, with Saudi Arabia representing 70% of this percentage, according to a research study published by Goldman Sachs.
Cormack stressed that these expectations mean the influx of active and passive investments worth approximately $50 billion into the Kingdom, which contributes to strengthening its position as a leading financial power equivalent to the economic bloc in Latin America, which is considered the largest bloc outside Asia.
Cormack also stressed that the Kingdom continues to record strong performance in line with the performance of advanced financial markets, noting that the profitability factor for stocks traded in the Saudi financial market has reached approximately 21 times, which is the same ratio recorded for stocks traded in the American market.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and Saudi Exchange signed a new cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the third Saudi Capital Market Forum to launch a Social Responsibility Index.
Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi Tadawul Group and Atrum, supporting artistic initiatives, educational programs, and cultural exchanges within the Kingdom.
SALIC signed an MoU with Tadawul with the aim of establishing the foundations for effective cooperation and integrated coordination between the two parties towards aligning and sharing strategic initiatives in the field of sustainability.
An MoU was signed between Riyad Capital and E Fund to foster knowledge sharing on local investment expertise and stimulate collaboration on developing future investment products.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Capital Market, Muqassa and Swiss cash management company Instimatch Global signed an agreement to launch a Repo Trading Platform for the Kingdom’s market.

 

 

 

 



Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy told Asharq Al-Awsat that he and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb have agreed to collaborate on several tourism initiatives.

These include joint marketing efforts, shared tourism programs, environmental protection measures, and promoting specific types of tourism in the Red Sea.

Fathy recently visited Riyadh, where he met with Al-Khateeb and engaged with Saudi business leaders. They discussed ways to promote tourism between their countries and increase visitor exchanges.

During his visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional office in Riyadh, Fathy stated that the office’s presence in Saudi Arabia enhances the organization’s work in the region and improves communication with other countries.

He confirmed that they plan to develop and implement the agreed initiatives in the near future.

Fathy highlighted that the Middle East is a key player in global tourism and deserves a dedicated office to support all countries in the region. This effort aims to boost collaboration and promote the Middle East as a top destination for travelers.

Tourism, National Economy: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the UNWTO regional office for the Middle East, stated that the office supports 13 countries in the region, with Egypt being a key member.

He highlighted that the recent visit by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who serves as Vice President of the regional committee, creates opportunities for collaboration.

This partnership aims to boost tourism’s role in the national economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Kharashi emphasized the potential for cooperation with Egypt, which has a rich tourism history and many ancient sites. He noted that the regional office has the expertise to assist member countries.

Al-Kharashi expressed optimism about the discussions, which covered various opportunities for joint projects that would benefit both Egypt and the wider region.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Fathy’s visit to the UNWTO regional office aims to enhance bilateral relations, as Cairo actively seeks to develop its tourism sector through international collaboration.

During their meeting, Fathy and Al-Kharashi addressed key issues facing Egypt’s tourism sector, including challenges and growth opportunities. They explored future cooperation, particularly in tourism training, improving services, and increasing investments.

Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in the Middle East, and 63rd globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index.

The UNWTO regional office in Riyadh is the first of its kind outside the organization’s headquarters, dedicated to supporting member states in the Middle East.

The office focuses on promoting tourism education, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.