Jordan to Import Iraqi Oil at Incentive Pricing

An oilfield is seen in the Dibis area on the outskirts of Kirkuk, Iraq October 17, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani/File Photo
An oilfield is seen in the Dibis area on the outskirts of Kirkuk, Iraq October 17, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani/File Photo
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Jordan to Import Iraqi Oil at Incentive Pricing

An oilfield is seen in the Dibis area on the outskirts of Kirkuk, Iraq October 17, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani/File Photo
An oilfield is seen in the Dibis area on the outskirts of Kirkuk, Iraq October 17, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani/File Photo

Jordan and Iraq on Wednesday stressed their keenness to enhance economic relations and discussed the possibility of Iraq importing 30,000 barrels per day of oil to Jordan at incentive prices.

Iraq started in 2012 providing 10,000 bpd to Jordan at preferential prices of USD18 less than global prices.

The discussions were held between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Rajai Muasher, and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Finance and Planning Fuad Hussein.

Jordan and Iraq stressed their keenness to enhance economic relations. They stressed that the ties between the two nations should be complementary and not competitive to serve both countries' best interests.

Muasher stated that he looked forward to developing ties and enhancing them, affirming the country’s readiness to coordinate with Iraq the sisterly country. In his turn, Hussein expressed pride in Iraqi-Jordanian ties that he described as historic. He added that Iraq entered a new phase after quashing the terrorist groups and forming a new government.

In the transport field, the two sides agreed to increase focus on the Karameh-Tureibil Border Crossing and improve air and maritime transport by providing facilities for importers in the Iraqi private sector.

They also discussed the possibility of exempting Jordanian exports to Iraq from customs fees, establishing joint industrial zones, launching integrated industries, and starting joint investment projects between both countries’ private sectors to encourage Iraqi investments in the Kingdom.

Discussions covered cooperation in energy and electricity sectors, as Jordan can export more than 1,000 gigawatts of electricity to the western areas of Iraq.



Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
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Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters

The credit rating agency “Moody’s Ratings” upgraded Saudi Arabia’s credit rating to “Aa3” in local and foreign currency, with a “stable” outlook.
The agency indicated in its report that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification and the robust growth of its non-oil sector. Over time, the advancements are expected to reduce Saudi Arabia’s exposure to oil market developments and long-term carbon transition on its economy and public finances.
The agency commended the Kingdom's financial planning within the fiscal space, emphasizing its commitment to prioritizing expenditure and enhancing the spending efficiency. Additionally, the government’s ongoing efforts to utilize available fiscal resources to diversify the economic base through transformative spending were highlighted as instrumental in supporting the sustainable development of the Kingdom's non-oil economy and maintaining a strong fiscal position.
In its report, the agency noted that the planning and commitment underpin its projection of a relatively stable fiscal deficit, which could range between 2%-3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Moody's expected that the non-oil private-sector GDP of Saudi Arabia will expand by 4-5% in the coming years, positioning it among the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, an indication of continued progress in the diversification efforts reducing the Kingdom’s exposure to oil market developments.
In recent years, the Kingdom achieved multiple credit rating upgrades from global rating agencies. These advancements reflect the Kingdom's ongoing efforts toward economic transformation, supported by structural reforms and the adoption of fiscal policies that promote financial sustainability, enhance financial planning efficiency, and reinforce the Kingdom's strong and resilient fiscal position.