عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

AlUla Conference Amplifies Emerging Economies’ Global Voice

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
TT
20
TT

AlUla Conference Amplifies Emerging Economies’ Global Voice

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan (AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies)

The “AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies” was held at a crucial time, as the world and the region face significant economic, technological, and geopolitical shifts.

From tariffs that will impact international trade to the resurgence of inflation concerns and the resulting delay in expected interest rate cuts, the strengthening dollar and its effects on emerging markets, to the growing geopolitical conflicts—these and other factors undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for emerging economies.

The conference, organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Saudi Ministry of Finance, “marks an important step towards creating a platform that amplifies the voices of emerging economies on the global stage, allowing them to express their views and needs," said Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan at the conclusion of the two-day event.

Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the conference is expected to have a significant impact on shaping future economic policies in emerging economies.

This was evident through in-depth discussions among finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, and leaders from both the public and private sectors in emerging economies, as well as international institutions.

The talks covered a range of topics, from economic growth and financial stability to sustainable development, inflation, debt, and proposed strategies to support growth in these markets.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the event underscores its prominent position and leadership role both regionally and globally. It also highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting emerging economies and fostering cooperation among them.

Emerging economies undeniably play a key role in the global economy, driving 65% of global growth.
They continue to record strong growth rates, with the IMF projecting a 4.3% growth in 2025 and 4.2% in 2026, compared to a global economic growth of just 3.3% during the same period.

This translates into higher employment rates and increased consumer spending, positioning these economies as attractive destinations for investors seeking major opportunities.

Most Viewed

 
Business

UK Finance Minister Says Govt to Cut Costs by 15 Percent

A handout picture released by the BBC, taken and received on March 23, 2025, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves appearing on the BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg" political television show in London. (Photo by Jeff OVERS / BBC / AFP)
A handout picture released by the BBC, taken and received on March 23, 2025, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves appearing on the BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg" political television show in London. (Photo by Jeff OVERS / BBC / AFP)
TT
20
TT

UK Finance Minister Says Govt to Cut Costs by 15 Percent

A handout picture released by the BBC, taken and received on March 23, 2025, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves appearing on the BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg" political television show in London. (Photo by Jeff OVERS / BBC / AFP)
A handout picture released by the BBC, taken and received on March 23, 2025, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves appearing on the BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg" political television show in London. (Photo by Jeff OVERS / BBC / AFP)

UK finance minister Rachel Reeves said Sunday she plans to cut the costs of running government by 15 percent within four years, as she grapples with strained public finances.

Her comments came ahead of her crucial Spring Statement on Wednesday when she is expected to detail billions of pounds of spending cuts across various government departments, AFP reported.

"We are, by the end of this parliament, making a commitment that we will cut the costs of running government by 15 percent," she told the BBC.

The broadcaster reported that target would translate to annual savings of £2.2 billion ($2.8 billion) across Britain's civil service, which employs more than 500,000 people.

Reeves said it would be up to individual departments to decide how many civil servants will lose their jobs but added that personnel could be cut by 10,000.

"I would rather have people working on the front line in our schools and our hospitals, in our police, rather than in back-office jobs," she told Sky News.

Reeves also insisted that she will stick to her own fiscal rules when she delivers her financial update on Wednesday.

They are not to borrow to fund day-to-day spending and to see debt fall as a share of the gross domestic product by 2029-2030.

Since she has also committed to not increasing taxes, sticking to the rules raises the prospect of spending cuts to some departments.

The Labour government has failed to get Britain's economy firing since it swept to power last July, a task complicated by Donald Trump's return to the White House.

"The world has changed," Reeves told Sky.

"We can all see that before our eyes, and governments are not inactive in that –- we'll respond to the change and continue to meet our fiscal rules."

Official data released on Friday showed that public sector net borrowing -- the difference between spending and tax receipts -- grew last month, leaving Reeves with little wiggle room to meet her rules.

The restrictions are designed to ensure that the government's spending plans maintain credibility in financial markets.

On Tuesday, the government announced contested cuts to disability welfare payments, hoping to save more than £5 billion annually by the end of the decade.

Reeves insisted Sunday that there would still be "real-terms" increases in total public spending in every year of this parliament, which is due to end in 2029.