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Egypt, Iraq to Establish Firm to Boost Bilateral Ties in Oil Sector

Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek el-Molla during his meeting with Iraqi Ambassador to Cairo, Ahmed al-Dulaimi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek el-Molla during his meeting with Iraqi Ambassador to Cairo, Ahmed al-Dulaimi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt, Iraq to Establish Firm to Boost Bilateral Ties in Oil Sector

Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek el-Molla during his meeting with Iraqi Ambassador to Cairo, Ahmed al-Dulaimi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek el-Molla during his meeting with Iraqi Ambassador to Cairo, Ahmed al-Dulaimi (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egypt and Iraq discussed strengthening bilateral relations in the oil and gas sector through operating Egyptian oil companies in Iraq and establishing a join company to implement projects.

Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek el-Molla said that the agreement to import 12 million barrels of Iraq’s crude oil is still active, noting that the six-month deal is renewed regularly.

The Egyptian petroleum sector is ready to reinforce the presence of its companies in Iraq in the coming period with various oil, gas, and petrochemical activities, announced Molla during his meeting with the Iraqi Ambassador to Cairo, Ahmed al-Dulaimi.

The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources issued a press release, a copy of which was obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, noting that Cairo discussed sending Egyptian experts in the field of oil refining to train Iraqi personnel.

The two officials also agreed to train the cadres in this vital industry and meet Iraqi needs.

During the meeting, Molla stressed the importance of permanent coordination and continuous consultations between the oil and gas sectors of both countries to enhance cooperation.

The Iraqi ambassador said his country's government is keen to boost bilateral relations and open new horizons for cooperation backed by the full support of the political leadership in both countries.

He stressed the importance of using distinguished Egyptian expertise, especially in the field of energy, noting that Egypt’s success, distinction, and experience will benefit Iraq at this important stage that is witnessing a shift towards investment, development, and reconstruction.

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Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
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Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)

Telecommunications companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) achieved a 12.46 percent growth in their net profits, which reached SAR 4.07 billion ($1.09 billion) during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.62 billion ($965 million) during the same period last year.

They also recorded a 4.76 percent growth in revenues during the same quarter, after achieving sales worth more than SAR 26.18 billion ($7 billion), compared to SAR 24.99 billion ($6.66 billion) in the same quarter of 2023.

The growth in the revenues and net profitability is the result of several factors, including the increase in sales volume and revenues, especially in the business sector and fifth generation services, as well as the decrease in operating expenses and the focus on improving operational efficiency, controlling costs, and moving towards investment in infrastructure.

The sector comprises four companies, three of which conclude their fiscal year in December: Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Mobily, and Zain Saudi Arabia. The fiscal year of Etihad Atheeb Telecommunications Company (GO) ends on March 31.

According to its financial results announced on Tadawul, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) achieved a 33 percent growth rate of profits, bringing its profits to SAR 661 million by the end of the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 497 million during the same period in 2023. The company also achieved a 4.59 percent growth in revenues to reach SAR 4.47 billion, compared to SAR 4.27 billion in the same quarter of last year.

The Saudi Telecom Company achieved the highest net profits among the sector’s companies, at about SAR 3.304 billion in the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.008 billion in the same quarter of 2023. The company registered a growth of 4.52 percent in revenues.

On the other hand, the revenues of the Saudi Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain Saudi Arabia) increased by about 6.69 percent, as it recorded SAR 2.55 billion during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 2.39 billion in the same period last year.

Commenting on the quarterly results of the sector’s companies, and the varying net profits, the head of asset management at Rassanah Capital, Thamer Al-Saeed, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi Telecom Company remains the sector leader in terms of customer base expansion.

He also noted the continued efforts of Mobily and Zain to offer many diverse products and other services.

Financial advisor at the Arab Trader Mohammed Al-Maymouni said the financial results of telecom sector companies have maintained a steady growth, up to 12 percent, adding that Mobily witnessed strong progress compared to the rest of the companies, despite the great competition which affected its revenues.

He added that Zain was moving at a good pace and its revenues have improved during the second quarter of 2024. However, its profits were affected by an increase in the financing cost by SAR 26.5 million riyals and a rise in interest, while net income declined significantly compared to the previous year, during which the company made exceptional returns.