Saudi-Turkish Business Forum Helps Boost Economic Ties

Saudi Arabia's flag.
Saudi Arabia's flag.
TT

Saudi-Turkish Business Forum Helps Boost Economic Ties

Saudi Arabia's flag.
Saudi Arabia's flag.

The Saudi-Turkish Business Forum and Turkish Products Fair was held on March 4, 2024 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, SPA said on Tuesday.
The Riyadh Chamber of Commerce hosted the forum.
Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi emphasized the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, and the potential for increased collaboration.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia's "unprecedented transformation", driven by the "wise leadership, an ambitious vision, and a population of which 80% are young people".
The Minister also said that the Kingdom's vast oil and mineral resources, estimated at $1.5 trillion, are contributing significantly to its ongoing transformation.
Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih met with representatives of Turkish construction companies and highlighted the growing Saudi economy and the numerous investment opportunities, particularly in the construction sector, valued at $152 billion.
The targeted capital expenditure exceeded $3.3 trillion from 2022 to 2030, he said, reiterating that potential construction contracts range from $1.6 trillion to $$1.8 trillion.
Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bolat emphasized the forum's significance to bolstering trade and economic ties between the two nations. He highlighted the $6.2 billion trade volume achieved in 2023, and expressed optimism for further growth.
He also underlined the Turkish companies' keenness to capitalize on investment opportunities arising from Saudi Vision 2030.
Second Vice Chairman of the Riyadh Chamber Naif Al-Rajhi emphasized the forum's role in building on the partnerships established at the Saudi-Turkish Business Forum held in Istanbul last October, which resulted in several cooperation agreements.
The forum concluded with the signing of new agreements between Saudi and Turkish companies.



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)
TT

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.