Saudi PIF, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Sign MoU on Investment Fund

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi PIF, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Sign MoU on Investment Fund

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA
The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh. SPA

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work towards jointly anchoring a new investment fund, with a target size of $1 billion.

The MoU was signed at FII 8th Edition in Riyadh.

Under the MoU, the fund would explore investment in manufacturing, renewables, fintech, and healthcare, supporting the localization of companies connected to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay area in Saudi Arabia. It would create highly skilled local jobs and drive economic growth by fostering regional champions in the target sectors. It would reinforce Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s leading financial hubs, leveraging its diverse talent pool, efficient financial infrastructure and deep liquidity. The signing of this MoU is a new milestone that underlines the economic ties between two leading institutions: PIF and HKMA.

The proposed new fund aligns with PIF’s economic diversification and sustainability strategy.

This partnership has the potential to drive shared prosperity by investing in industries that will shape future economies. It combines HKMA’s long-term investment expertise with PIF’s strategy for the target sectors.

The new fund would promote foreign direct investments via Hong Kong, providing a platform for companies to internationalize their businesses and access attractive investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.



IMF Grants Egypt Initial Approval of $1.2 Bln Fourth Review

Santa Claus toys are displayed in a shop with Christmas decorations in Cairo, Egypt, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
Santa Claus toys are displayed in a shop with Christmas decorations in Cairo, Egypt, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
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IMF Grants Egypt Initial Approval of $1.2 Bln Fourth Review

Santa Claus toys are displayed in a shop with Christmas decorations in Cairo, Egypt, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)
Santa Claus toys are displayed in a shop with Christmas decorations in Cairo, Egypt, December 23, 2024. (Reuters)

The International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday it reached a staff-level agreement with Egypt on the fourth review under its Extended Fund Facility arrangement, potentially unlocking a $1.2 billion disbursement under the program.

Egypt, grappling with high inflation and shortages of foreign currency, agreed to the $8 billion, 46-month facility in March. A sharp decline in Suez Canal revenue caused by regional tensions over the last year compounded its economic woes.

The IMF said Egypt's government had agreed to increase its tax-to-revenue ratio by 2% of gross domestic product over the next two years, with a focus on eliminating exemptions rather than increasing taxes.

This would give it space to increase social spending to help vulnerable groups, the IMF said in a statement.

"While the authorities' plans to streamline and simplify the tax system are commendable, further reforms will be needed to enhance domestic revenue mobilization efforts," the statement said.

Egypt had agreed to make more decisive efforts to ensure the private sector became the main engine of growth and to sustain its commitment to a flexible exchange rate, the IMF statement added.

The staff-level agreement of the fourth review must still be approved by the IMF's executive board.