Saudi Arabia, a Center for Spreading Culture of Economic Reforms Globally

Saudi Arabia was chosen as a knowledge center due to its pioneering experience over the past years. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia was chosen as a knowledge center due to its pioneering experience over the past years. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, a Center for Spreading Culture of Economic Reforms Globally

Saudi Arabia was chosen as a knowledge center due to its pioneering experience over the past years. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia was chosen as a knowledge center due to its pioneering experience over the past years. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and the World Bank Group announced on Friday their intention to establish a knowledge center in the Kingdom as part of their efforts to spread the culture of economic reforms globally.

Speaking in Washington, Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi said this step emphasizes the great progress the Kingdom has achieved in global competitiveness reports and indicators, thanks to economic reforms implemented with the support and directives of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

He added that the center will pave the way for further regional and global cooperation in the areas of competitiveness and will allow benefiting from Saudi Arabia’s abilities to implement economic reforms and from the World Bank’s experience that extends for more than 50 years.

The World Bank has chosen Saudi Arabia as the knowledge center to spread the culture of economic reforms in view of its pioneering experience over the past seven years, during which the Kingdom successfully applied an integrated business model that achieved its desired goals.

A founding committee, which includes the Ministries of Finance and Economy and Planning and relevant government agencies, is participating in preparations to establish the center.

In Washington, Al-Qasabi held meetings with Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and senior experts to discuss the latest initiatives to facilitate cross-border trade by simplifying customs procedures and regulations.



Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.