Sweden Explores Cooperation, Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

The Swedish delegation visited “The Garage” to support startups within the campus of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Swedish delegation visited “The Garage” to support startups within the campus of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Sweden Explores Cooperation, Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

The Swedish delegation visited “The Garage” to support startups within the campus of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Swedish delegation visited “The Garage” to support startups within the campus of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (Asharq Al-Awsat)

A Swedish business team is currently in Saudi Arabia, scouting investment chances and economic partnerships. They’re planning to set up a hub or an investment group in the Kingdom, focusing on new ideas and eco-friendly tech.
According to Petra Menander, the Swedish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, both countries have a strong relationship, especially in economics. Swedish companies have been active in Saudi Arabia since the 1950s, helping with infrastructure and technology.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Menander pointed out that small Swedish firms are eager to expand into Saudi Arabia, looking for long-term collaboration in innovation and business.
She also mentioned successful visits to Saudi business projects, showing mutual interest in innovation and tech exchange.

Regarding trade, Swedish exports to Saudi Arabia have increased by over 50% since 2018, with Saudi exports to Sweden rising sharply in 2023 compared to 2022.
Menander expected trade to keep growing, especially in sectors like mining, energy, healthcare, and technology, including areas like agriculture and electric vehicles.
On his part, CEO of Stockholm Fintech Love Dager said that his organization, based in southern Sweden, is helping startups grow globally through their programs.
Moreover, Dager affirmed that Stockholm Fintech sees big chances to work with Saudi companies.
Dager explained that the organization has a network of over 200 investors and partners, supporting more than 900 people. In four years, it helped 140 startups get over $80 million in funding.
He affirmed Sweden’s FinTech industry is strong, adding that companies want to expand globally early.
Highlighting the ambitions of Saudis, Dager said the Kingdom looks promising.
Aliya Sabir, from the HETCH business incubator, mentioned that the organization is encouraging young people in the region to start businesses, aiming for a sustainable future.
Sabir revealed that HETCH has startups with great ideas ready to grow in Saudi Arabia.



Sultan of Oman Stresses Private Sector’s Role, Alongside Government, in Employing Citizens

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of SMEs, and startup representatives. (ONA)
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of SMEs, and startup representatives. (ONA)
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Sultan of Oman Stresses Private Sector’s Role, Alongside Government, in Employing Citizens

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of SMEs, and startup representatives. (ONA)
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of SMEs, and startup representatives. (ONA)

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman emphasized the role of the private sector in creating job opportunities for Omanis, urging businesses to make use of the economic incentives provided by the government to support local employment.
During a meeting on Monday at Al-Baraka Palace with business leaders, owners of small and medium enterprises, and startup representatives, Sultan Haitham affirmed that addressing unemployment is the top priority for the government.
He underscored the private sector’s responsibility to join efforts with the government in providing employment, training, and development for citizens by leveraging government incentives, programs, and initiatives aimed at supporting the private sector.
Discussing the banking sector, he highlighted its importance as a “cornerstone of modern economies and a key player in economic growth and shaping the business environment.”
The Sultan also pointed to the adoption of the national policy on local content, which aims to enhance the competitiveness and growth of the national economy. He stressed the importance of the private sector’s role in advancing this policy by localizing industries, prioritizing local products in purchasing and tenders, thereby creating job opportunities for Omanis, reducing import dependence, boosting exports, and increasing the GDP.
Sultan Haitham reviewed Oman’s financial and economic performance, noting the positive outcomes achieved through effective government-private sector partnerships. These partnerships have contributed to GDP growth and the continued improvement of Oman’s credit rating, which in turn enhances business and investor confidence, creating an attractive investment climate that supports the growth of various economic sectors.
He also called for strengthened partnerships between the government and private sector to ensure a favorable environment for investment and local economic development.
Sultan Haitham commended the efforts of the Financial and Economic Committee in the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
In coordination with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, these entities hold regular meetings with business leaders and investors to continuously address the challenges facing the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, and work towards viable solutions.