Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
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Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)

The Third Saudi International Maritime Forum opened in the Eastern Region on Tuesday.

The event is organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the theme “Maritime Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Trends and Threats”.

The forum, held under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, was attended by Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, alongside senior naval leaders, experts, government officials, and representatives of global maritime companies and regulatory bodies.

Chief of Naval Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraibi expressed gratitude for the Minister of Defense’s support, noting that the forum aligns with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence shaping global maritime security.

He highlighted the forum’s objectives, including fostering international collaboration on maritime security, exchanging knowledge among naval leaders, promoting the adoption of advanced systems in the maritime sector, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and leveraging emerging technologies to address security challenges.

The forum also features an exhibition, inaugurated by Al-Ruwaili, showcasing strategic services and innovations from sectors and companies specializing in maritime security.

Spanning three days, the forum brings together 42 speakers across five dialogue sessions and 21 workshops. Key topics include maritime strategies in the age of artificial intelligence, policies and regulations for integrating AI into maritime operations, the impacts of advanced maritime systems on security and cybersecurity, training and development of maritime professionals in the AI era, and the future of military industries in AI-driven technologies.

Additionally, 29 government agencies and 23 local and international companies are participating in the exhibition, displaying the latest equipment and technologies in maritime security.

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions.



IMF Warns Asia Retaliatory Tariffs Could Undermine Growth

A man walks with his bicycle along a crosswalk in Beijing, China, 16 November 2024. (EPA)
A man walks with his bicycle along a crosswalk in Beijing, China, 16 November 2024. (EPA)
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IMF Warns Asia Retaliatory Tariffs Could Undermine Growth

A man walks with his bicycle along a crosswalk in Beijing, China, 16 November 2024. (EPA)
A man walks with his bicycle along a crosswalk in Beijing, China, 16 November 2024. (EPA)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on Tuesday that "tit-for-tat" tariffs could undermine Asia's economic prospects, raise costs and disrupt supply chains even as it expects the region to remain a key engine of growth for the global economy.

"The tit-for-tat retaliatory tariffs threaten to disrupt growth prospects across the region, leading to longer and less efficient supply chains," IMF Asia-Pacific Director Krishna Srinivasan said at a forum in Cebu on systemic risk.

Srinivasan's remarks come amid concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese goods and at least a 10% levy on all other imports.

Tariffs could impede global trade, hamper growth in exporting nations, and potentially raise inflation in the United States, forcing the US Federal Reserve to tighten monetary policy, despite a lackluster outlook for global growth.

In October, the European Union also decided to increase tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles to as much as 45.3%, prompting retaliation from Beijing.

The IMF's latest World Economic Outlook forecasts global economic growth at 3.2% for both 2024 and 2025, weaker than its more optimistic projections for Asia, which stand at 4.6% for this year and 4.4% for next year.

Asia is "witnessing a period of important transition", creating greater uncertainty, including the "acute risk" of escalating trade tensions across major trading partners, Srinivasan said.

He added that uncertainty surrounding monetary policy in advanced economies and related market expectations could affect monetary decisions in Asia, influencing global capital flows, exchange rates, and other financial markets.