SIDF to Start New Phase to Support Economic Sectors

SIDF to Start New Phase to Support Economic Sectors
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SIDF to Start New Phase to Support Economic Sectors

SIDF to Start New Phase to Support Economic Sectors

Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) is preparing to start a new phase that would stimulate, support and finance the private sector, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, an ambitious national vision aimed at diversifying the economy.

The Fund is expected to target new areas that will keep pace with the vitality of the Saudi economy in light of Vision 2030 and its national programs.

SIDF targets several areas including industry, mining, energy and logistics services under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP).

The Saudi private sector is heading towards a new stage, which will stimulate it to contribute more to the Kingdom’s GDP and open a new horizon for investment.

The SIDF is now considered one of the most important arms that target stimulating, supporting, and financing the national industry.

The Cabinet approved Wednesday amendments to SIDF’s regulations, which marks a key step towards enhancing its role as a financial enabler for the Kingdom’s ambitious development plans, the most important of which is the NIDLP, which was launched earlier this year.

SIDF Director-General Dr. Ibrahim al-Mojel said that the amendment will enable the Fund to expand its support to a number of new and promising sectors through a new package of financial services and products that meet the needs of the private sector in the fields of industry, mining, energy, national industry, and logistics services.

“After 45 years of work, SIDF continues to contribute to a wide range of programs and services that will meet our ambitious goals under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to bolster the industry’s needs and meet its requirements, while providing first-class support to enterprises operating in the sector,” Mojel explained in a press release.



Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.