Saudi Arabia, Palestine Agree to Establish Business Council 

Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Hassan Moejeb Alhwaizy and Palestinian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mazen Mohammed Rateb Ghanem meet in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Hassan Moejeb Alhwaizy and Palestinian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mazen Mohammed Rateb Ghanem meet in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Palestine Agree to Establish Business Council 

Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Hassan Moejeb Alhwaizy and Palestinian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mazen Mohammed Rateb Ghanem meet in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)
Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Hassan Moejeb Alhwaizy and Palestinian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mazen Mohammed Rateb Ghanem meet in Riyadh on Tuesday. (SPA)

Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Hassan Moejeb Alhwaizy and Palestinian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mazen Mohammed Rateb Ghanem agreed in Riyadh on Tuesday to the establishment of the first Saudi-Palestinian Business Council.

The initiative aims to increase trade and investment between the two countries.

The private sector in the Kingdom aligns with the directives of the wise leadership in supporting the Palestinian people, remarked Alhwaizy.

He emphasized the importance of empowering Palestinian business owners to invest in the Kingdom and promote Palestinian products and industries in Saudi markets.

He underscored the Federation's support for organizing exhibitions and conferences to promote Palestinian products with the participation of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce.



Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
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Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency

Oman's state-owned logistics firm Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering, it said on Wednesday, as part of the country's privatization drive.

The group, owned by Oman's sovereign wealth fund, plans to sell a stake of at least 20% in Asyad Shipping Co and float it on the Muscat stock exchange, it said in document detailing its intention to float.

"The intended listing would provide investors with the opportunity to invest in one of the world's largest diversified maritime shipping companies and a key player in the Omani economy," the company said.

Asyad Shipping focuses on transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil and other products. It lists energy firms BP and Shell as well as trading firm Trafigura among its customers and partners.

The offering will be made in two tranches, with 75% made to eligible investors in Oman and qualified institutional and other foreign investors. Of the 75% tranche, 30% of shares have been earmarked for anchor investors, the firm said.

The remaining 25% will be sold to retail investors in Oman.

The subscription period is expected to start next month, after the company has received regulatory approval.

Asyad Shipping plans to pay dividends semi-annually, beginning in September 2025 for the first six months of this year.

Oman Investment Bank, EFG Hermes, JP Morgan and Jefferies are acting as joint global coordinators. Sohar International is acting as joint global coordinator and as issue manager.
Credit Agricole and Societe Generale are joint bookrunners.