Qatar Sovereign Fund Plans to Expand Activities in Asia

The Qatari flag is seen at a park near Doha Corniche, in Doha, Qatar February 17, 2018. (Reuters)
The Qatari flag is seen at a park near Doha Corniche, in Doha, Qatar February 17, 2018. (Reuters)
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Qatar Sovereign Fund Plans to Expand Activities in Asia

The Qatari flag is seen at a park near Doha Corniche, in Doha, Qatar February 17, 2018. (Reuters)
The Qatari flag is seen at a park near Doha Corniche, in Doha, Qatar February 17, 2018. (Reuters)

Head of Asia-Pacific Advisory at the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) Abdullah Al-Kuwari announced that the country's sovereign wealth fund is currently expanding its operations in Australia, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, according to a report by Reuters.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Asia Summit in Singapore, Al-Kuwari said QIA is identifying investment opportunities, including corporate spin-offs and acquisition deals in Japan, along with prospects in the technology sector in India.

The Qatar Investment Authority, one of the largest investors globally, manages assets estimated at $526 billion, as reported by the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute.

Al-Kuwari indicated that the fund plans to increase its workforce in Australia and South Korea and has already started building its team in Japan, with plans to further expand. He emphasized Japan as a key market for QIA’s future focus.

The fund’s expansion in Asia, where it already holds stakes in the London Stock Exchange and Spain’s Iberdrola, aligns with its strategy to diversify investments beyond its traditional European and American markets.

In June, Reuters reported that QIA had agreed to acquire a 10% stake in China Asset Management, the second-largest mutual fund company in China.



Saudi Arabia: GEOSA Launches Geospatial Licensing and Permitting System

GEOSA President Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya Al Sayel during the launch of the Geospatial Licensing and Permitting System. Photo: GEOSA
GEOSA President Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya Al Sayel during the launch of the Geospatial Licensing and Permitting System. Photo: GEOSA
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Saudi Arabia: GEOSA Launches Geospatial Licensing and Permitting System

GEOSA President Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya Al Sayel during the launch of the Geospatial Licensing and Permitting System. Photo: GEOSA
GEOSA President Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya Al Sayel during the launch of the Geospatial Licensing and Permitting System. Photo: GEOSA

The General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) has launched the Geospatial Licensing and Permitting System, an essential initiative designed to organize and promote geospatial economic activities.

The system aims to enhance the role of geospatial information in supporting and facilitating various sectors and national development initiatives.

The Geospatial Licensing and Permitting System seeks to create a unified regulatory and investment framework that encourages economic growth, localizes geospatial technologies, develops national geospatial capabilities, and enhances the efficiency and quality of geospatial services and products.

It also aims to foster geospatial innovation, optimize the use of geospatial information for informed decision-making, and increase the Kingdom's attractiveness as a premier investment destination for a sustainable and thriving economy.

In a speech on this occasion, GEOSA President Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya Al Sayel expressed his gratitude to the Saudi leadership for its support and commitment to empowering the surveying and geospatial information sector.

He also lauded the minister of defense and chairman of the GEOSA board of directors for his consistent support, which has been crucial in helping the authority achieve its goals.