Al-Jadaan: China Is a Major Partner in Saudi Arabia’s Transformation under Vision 2030

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan and his Chinese counterpart Lan Fo’an meet in Beijing. (Photo taken from X)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan and his Chinese counterpart Lan Fo’an meet in Beijing. (Photo taken from X)
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Al-Jadaan: China Is a Major Partner in Saudi Arabia’s Transformation under Vision 2030

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan and his Chinese counterpart Lan Fo’an meet in Beijing. (Photo taken from X)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan and his Chinese counterpart Lan Fo’an meet in Beijing. (Photo taken from X)

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said China is a partner in the ongoing economic transformation in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, pointing to abundant opportunities for growth and cooperation.

Al-Jadaan and his Chinese counterpart Lan Fo’an chaired on Monday the third meeting of the Financial Subcommittee of the Saudi-Chinese High-Level Joint Committee, which was held in Beijing, with the participation of a number of officials from both sides.

The participants discussed many topics, including macroeconomic conditions and policies, in addition to bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the Kingdom and China.

Al-Jadaan stressed that the committee is an important platform to boost cooperation between Riyadh and Beijing, and comes as a continuation of the long and fruitful cooperation between the two countries on financial and economic issues at the bilateral and multilateral levels. He also noted that China has become a major partner for the Kingdom’s economic transformation.

The Saudi minister emphasized the necessity to have a clear framework for macroeconomic policies to promote stability and sustainable growth, and to achieve a balance between fiscal and monetary policies.

He pointed to the enormous potential for innovation and technical cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia and highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships in areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart cities, which he said can drive economic transformation and create new paths for growth and development.

Reforms require discipline, technical depth, and strong governance of the public sector while benefiting from the expertise of the private sector, he went on to say.

The Kingdom seeks, through its presidency of the IMF International Monetary and Financial Affairs Committee, to bolster economic policy coordination and support global recovery, stressed Al-Jadaan.

At the conclusion of the committee’s work, Al-Jadaan emphasized that Saudi-Chinese relations are characterized by friendship, cooperation and mutual support at international forums.



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)
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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.