Saudi Arabia, Italy Sign 26 Investment MoUs

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Italy Sign 26 Investment MoUs

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday, with the participation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, CEOs, private sector leaders, and representatives from major companies of both countries.

The meeting highlighted the expanding partnership between the two countries and resulted in the signing of 26 memoranda of understanding across key industries, including construction, renewable energy, cultural exchange, and advanced technologies.

It also explored collaborative prospects in green energy, automotive manufacturing, infrastructure development, tourism, agrifood, solar and wind energy projects, sustainable tourism initiatives, and advanced construction technologies.

Italian businesses highlighted their aim to capitalize on an estimated SAR11.8 trillion in Saudi inward investment over the next six years.

Heritage tourism was also a key focus, with participants highlighting Italy’s expertise and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global travel destination. As the Kingdom plans to create 1.6 million tourism jobs by 2030, Saudi-Italian partnerships are poised to drive skills development, promote sustainable tourism, and expand opportunities in the private sector.

In 2023, Saudi exports to Italy reached SAR18.5 billion, driven primarily by mineral fuels and petrochemicals, while imports from Italy totaled SAR22 billion, reflecting strong demand for Italian products such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, and advanced engineering solutions.

In 2024, 63 investment licenses were granted to Italian firms in the Kingdom—an increase of 110% over the previous year—underscoring the rising Italian interest in advanced manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy.



Canada Announces Retaliatory Tariffs on Long-Time Ally US

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses media members after US President Donald Trump signed an order to impose stiff tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, in Ottawa, Canada, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses media members after US President Donald Trump signed an order to impose stiff tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, in Ottawa, Canada, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)
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Canada Announces Retaliatory Tariffs on Long-Time Ally US

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses media members after US President Donald Trump signed an order to impose stiff tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, in Ottawa, Canada, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses media members after US President Donald Trump signed an order to impose stiff tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, in Ottawa, Canada, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada will retaliate against President Donald Trump's new tariffs with 25% levies on a raft of US imports, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday, warning Americans that Trump's actions would have real consequences for them.

As relations between the long-time allies who share the world's longest land border reach a new low, Trudeau told a news conference he was slapping tariffs on C$155 billion ($107 billion) of US goods. Those on C$30 billion will take effect on Tuesday, the same day as Trump's tariffs, and duties on the remaining C$125 billion in 21 days, he said.

Trudeau's announcement came just hours after Trump ordered 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and 10% on goods from China, risking a trade war that economists say could slow global growth and reignite inflation.

Trump said he would impose 10% tariff on all energy imports from Canada.

The Canadian leader said tariffs would include American drinks, as well as fruits and fruit juices, including orange juice from Trump's home state of Florida. Canada would also target goods including clothing, sports equipment and household appliances.

Trudeau said the coming weeks would be difficult for Canadians, but that Americans would also suffer from Trump's actions.

"Tariffs against Canada will put your jobs at risk, potentially shutting down American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing facilities," Trudeau said, addressing US citizens during a press conference in Ottawa.

"They will raise costs for you, including food at the grocery store and gas at the pump."

Canada is considering non-tariff measures, potentially relating to critical minerals, energy procurement and other partnerships, Trudeau said.

The 9,000-km (5,600-mile) US-Canada border handles over $2.5 billion in trade a day, especially in energy and manufacturing, according to Canadian government data from 2023.

In 2023, Canada exported close to C$550 billion worth of goods and services to the US, or more than three-fourths of its total exports. Energy accounted for 30% and manufacturing contributed around 15% to exports south of the border.

Exports to the US accounts for roughly 17.8% of Canadian gross domestic product and more than 2.4 million jobs in Canada.

The tariffs hit Canada as it deals with a political crisis and a leadership race within Trudeau's Liberal Party.

Facing low approval ratings, Trudeau has said he will resign after nine years in office once a new party leader is chosen. The opposition Conservatives could win the next election by a thumping majority, according to recent opinion polls.

Flanked by his foreign affairs and finance ministers a somber Trudeau recalled the years of bilateral relations between the two countries.

"From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of the Korean Peninsula, from the fields of Flanders to the streets of Kandahar, we have fought and died alongside you during your darkest hours," he said. "We've built the most successful economic, military and security partnership the world has ever seen."

Trudeau encouraged Canadians to buy Canadian products and vacation at home rather than in the US.

"We didn't ask for this but we will not back down," he said.