1st European Chamber of Commerce in GCC to Open in Riyadh

The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA
The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA
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1st European Chamber of Commerce in GCC to Open in Riyadh

The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA
The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA

The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA, is set to be inaugurated in Saudi Arabia on May 8 to enhance economic and business ties between the Kingdom and the European Union.

The launch event will take place at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh.

ECCKSA’s website says the Chamber is “dedicated to advocating European business interests in Saudi Arabia and vice versa.”

“As a member-driven organization with strong government ties, ECCKSA offers a dynamic business network, opening doors to substantial commercial opportunities.”

“ECCKSA leverages its strong governmental relationships to facilitate market access for member companies, ensuring fair opportunities for both European and Saudi businesses,” it adds.

During the Saudi-EU Investment Forum held in October, Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said that the Kingdom’s coordination with the EU has a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing economic transitions.

Al-Falih emphasized the opportunities for investment and trade cooperation between the Kingdom and Europe.

“I am convinced there is still immense potential for expanding our partnership further, especially in terms of scale, diversity, and quality of our outbound and inbound investments,” he said.

He stated that trade between the two countries reached 80 billion euros ($84.8 billion) in 2022, representing a 30 percent increase over the previous year.

The minister added that over 1,300 European companies have invested in Saudi Arabia.

At the same event, European Commission Executive Vice President Maros Sefcovic said that the EU and Saudi Arabia “share an interest in continuing interactions on multilateral trade policy agendas.”

He said he was pleased that there was an agreement to accelerate the creation of ECCKSA.



Saudi PIF Invests $200 Million in ETF Bond Fund

The fund is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia to focus on fixed-income exchange-traded funds (ETFs). (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The fund is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia to focus on fixed-income exchange-traded funds (ETFs). (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi PIF Invests $200 Million in ETF Bond Fund

The fund is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia to focus on fixed-income exchange-traded funds (ETFs). (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The fund is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia to focus on fixed-income exchange-traded funds (ETFs). (Asharq Al-Awsat)

State Street Global Advisors, a subsidiary of State Street Corporation, announced that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested SAR 750 million ($200 million) in the newly launched SPDR J.P. Morgan Saudi Aggregate Bond ETF.

According to a statement released by the company on Wednesday, this fund is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia to focus on fixed-income exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It is listed in both the London Stock Exchange and Germany’s Xetra, offering investors the opportunity to track government and quasi-government bonds denominated in either the Saudi Riyal or the US Dollar, including sukuk (Islamic bonds).

This investment aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, representing a significant step toward enhancing the international presence of Saudi Arabia’s financial markets and attracting foreign investments. The fund is available to investors across several European countries, including Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, and Italy.

Commenting on the investment, Yazid Al-Humaid, Deputy Governor and Head of MENA Investments at PIF, said: “The fund continues to create opportunities and enable access to diverse capital markets in the Kingdom. Investing in the first internationally listed Saudi fixed-income ETF underscores PIF’s commitment to deepening Saudi capital markets, attracting investors, and fostering partnerships across global financial centers.”

CEO of State Street Global Advisors Yi-Hsin Hung emphasized that the launch of the fund is a significant milestone in providing innovative opportunities for investors while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic growth.