Saudi National Center for Privatization Awarded Over 60 Contracts in 8 Targeted Sectors 

Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (SPA)
TT

Saudi National Center for Privatization Awarded Over 60 Contracts in 8 Targeted Sectors 

Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Finance and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for Privatization (NCP) Mohammed Al-Jadaan took part in Beijing on Tuesday in a roundtable meeting organized by NCP in cooperation with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

Senior officials of Chinese companies interested in private-sector projects and public-private partnerships (PPPs) were also present.

Al-Jadaan noted the depth of the historical relationship between Saudi Arabia and China that are based on trust and continuous cooperation in various fields, said a Finance Ministry statement.

He added that NCP has since its inception awarded over 60 privatization and partnership contracts in eight targeted sectors, with a capital cost of over $10 billion.

It has also sought to strengthen its work by adopting the privatization law and complementary statutory tools that contribute to accelerating the implementation of PPP projects, he went on to say.

He praised the role played by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in supporting NCP efforts to present privatization and partnership opportunities and initiatives to Chinese investors and companies.

Participants at the meeting presented privatization and PPP opportunities in the infrastructure sector and how companies and investors can participate in privatization and partnership projects in several areas, most notably in construction, roads, water, and airports.



Brazil President Signs Law Authorizing Offshore Wind Development

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends an event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for a military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends an event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for a military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP)
TT

Brazil President Signs Law Authorizing Offshore Wind Development

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends an event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for a military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends an event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for a military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP)

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed into law a bill authorizing the development of offshore wind farms, a statement said late on Friday, a bid to strengthen the country's energy security and spark a wave of investment.

The new law foresees incentives for the development of offshore energy projects in Brazilian territorial waters, the statement said.

Offshore wind speeds tend to be faster and steadier than on land, a potential advantage compared with wind farms built on a continent. But offshore wind farms can be expensive, difficult to build and potentially affect marine animals and birds, according to the American Geosciences Institute.

The Brazilian government said the law provides guidelines for projects and restoration of explored areas, in addition to requiring prior consultations with affected communities to ensure "respect for traditional maritime practices and local culture."

More than 80% of Brazil's electricity comes from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric, according to government data.

The president vetoed provisions in the law, introduced during the congressional debate, which would maintain incentives for "more polluting, expensive and inefficient energy sources such as thermoelectric, coal and gas plants," the statement said.