Saudi Candidate Sets 6-Axis-Framework to Head WTO

Saudi Candidate Sets 6-Axis-Framework to Head WTO
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Saudi Candidate Sets 6-Axis-Framework to Head WTO

Saudi Candidate Sets 6-Axis-Framework to Head WTO

With the end of the second phase of the nomination process, Saudi Arabia’s candidate for the presidency of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Muhammad bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, has put in place an international framework of six strategic axes that will be the basis for his work if he gains the members’ confidence and succeeds in assuming the position of Director General.

The second phase of the process, in which the candidates “made themselves known to the members”, will end on Monday. On that day, the third phase will begin, extending over a period of two months, during which the Chair of the General Council, together with the chairs of the Dispute Settlement Body and the Trade Policy Review Body, will start to consult with all WTO members to assess their preferences and seek to determine which candidate is best placed to attract consensus support.

The first round of consultations between the members will be held between Sept. 7 and 16, to be followed by two additional rounds, during which the field of candidates will be reduced from eight to five to two candidates in the final round.

Tuwaijri, recently launched a website in four languages, in which he explained the features of a major action plan aimed at comprehensive reform within the corridors of the trade organization, taking into account the changes in the balance of powers, the acceleration of global technological advances, and international developments.

Challenges: The Benefits of Globalization

The official portal recently launched by Tuwaijri revealed that the most prominent challenges facing the World Trade Organization are recent developments, stating that the map of the great powers in the past decades has changed at an accelerated pace, as is the case for the geopolitical forces that link the world’s major economies.

The Saudi candidate added that the Covid-19 pandemic exposed the gaps that states face internally and among each other, raising questions about the benefits and fate of globalization, which has somehow revived nationalist tendencies.

As on the global level, Tuwaijri noted that recent developments have affected the framework of the intra-trade movement, warning of the existing trends that he said were a cause for concern. He underlined, in this regard, the need to commit to supporting the international system in order to promote sustainable development.

An Impartial Mediator

In light of the current circumstances, Tuwaijri said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was an impartial mediator, with a role that works to bridge the rift and resolve the divisions between Africa, China, Europe, and the United States. He also noted that the World Trade Organization (WTO) has an opportunity to create a global framework commensurate with the requirements of the 21st century.

The Six Strategies

An Evaluation

The Saudi candidate focused on promoting joint action within six strategic areas, the first of which is the assessment of needs, where he is committed to understanding the experiences of all WTO members and their views during the first 100 days of his term. He would then conduct an in-depth assessment of the global economic landscape and its vulnerability to the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, to improve the organization’s approach to managing the multilateral trade system.

Data Acquisition: An Analysis

In the second strategy, Tuwaijri highlights the role of data in enhancing management and improving performance, based on his high-ranking positions in the public and private sectors. He said that he intended to give priority to analyzing the operations of the WTO, enhancing its efficiency, and improving its impact around the world.

Building Trust: A Principle

According to Tuwaijri, the principle of inclusiveness is one of the most important pillars of international trade, as it is intended to listen to all the opinions expressed by all members of the WTO and to enhance the spirit of openness and transparency at the internal and external levels.

In the fourth strategy, Tuwaijri added that disputes were a possibility in multilateral scenarios. “But the mechanisms available for resolving these disputes must be effective and adaptable to the growing and dynamic commercial relations,” he said on his website.

Stimulating Innovation: Collaboration

In the fifth strategy for reforming the organization, Tuwaijri said: “Given that intergovernmental institutions face more scrutiny, the cooperation among these institutions has become necessary to maximize their impact.”

In order for the organization to deepen its relations with its counterparts and with member states, the Saudi candidate intends to launch a roadmap that provides a clear vision of the organization’s work and contributes to improving awareness about international trade issues and their importance in people’s lives.

Commitment and Impartiality

The sixth principle of the organization’s reform approach, according to Tuwaijri’s vision, is achieving progress by abandoning preconceived ideologies and focusing instead on facts.

Therefore, he stressed his commitment to effective communication with various stakeholders, internally and externally, to understand their concerns and requirements, which contributes to enhancing the efficiency of the World Trade Organization in the interest of all.

The Saudi candidate intends to spend 50% of his time interacting with stakeholders, 40% of his time focusing on innovation, and 10% focusing on management, stressing that inclusiveness was required to enhance trade cooperation between countries.



Saudi Role Pivotal as Syria Hosts Investment Forum in Damascus

The Syria-Saudi Investment Forum in Damascus (SANA) 
The Syria-Saudi Investment Forum in Damascus (SANA) 
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Saudi Role Pivotal as Syria Hosts Investment Forum in Damascus

The Syria-Saudi Investment Forum in Damascus (SANA) 
The Syria-Saudi Investment Forum in Damascus (SANA) 

In a symbolic and strategic move, Syria and Saudi Arabia took a major step toward deepening economic ties this week with the launch of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, held at the People’s Palace in Damascus. The event brought together top officials from both countries, including Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, along with over 120 Saudi investors and business leaders.

The forum marks the most significant Saudi economic delegation to visit Syria in over a decade, and comes amid a broader push by Damascus to attract regional and international investment to rebuild the war-torn country.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Osama Qadi, Senior Advisor to Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry, described the forum as a turning point.

“Saudi Arabia is helping to write a new chapter in Syria’s economic history,” he said. “The Kingdom is not only a political and security partner, it will be remembered as the driving force behind what could become Syria’s economic miracle.”

Qadi said Saudi Arabia’s presence signaled deep trust in Syria’s post-conflict potential. “This initial delegation of over 120 Saudi business leaders is just the beginning,” he noted. “Minister Al-Falih has committed to encouraging investment not only from the Kingdom but from countries across the globe.”

According to Qadi, Saudi investments send a powerful signal to the international business community that Syria is stable and open for investment.

“The presence of Saudi capital builds trust,” he said. “It shows that Syria is safe, serious about reform, and prepared to welcome global partnerships.”

He emphasized that the large-scale destruction resulting from years of conflict has created opportunities in reconstruction, particularly for real estate developers, contractors, and urban planners.

In this context, he said: “The ruins can be rebuilt into a modern Syria... Before 2011, Syria already had widespread informal housing. Now, we have the opportunity to design cities with green spaces, modern infrastructure, and sustainable architecture - all while preserving local heritage.”

Qadi added that the Syrian government sees this as a chance to rebuild in line with global standards.

“Together with our partners, we can build a Syria of 2025, with smart cities, environmentally friendly construction, and livable communities for the next generation,” he underlined.

The timing of the forum, he noted, sends a strong political message to skeptics.

“Even as some areas of the country, like Sweida, remain unstable and US lawmakers debate the future of the Caesar Act sanctions, this forum shows that serious investors believe in Syria’s future,” he remarked.

Qadi expressed hope that Saudi engagement would trigger a ripple effect, saying: “Together with the Kingdom, we can attract the largest number of investors, companies, and projects. This will create jobs and help Syria become one of the region’s most attractive investment destinations.”

At a press conference Wednesday night, Syrian Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mustafa officially launched the forum under the auspices of the Supreme Council for Economic Development and in partnership with the Syrian Investment Agency. Al-Mustafa praised Saudi Arabia’s role as “a key player in the Arab regional order and a very important global actor.”

He also highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries.

“Saudi Arabia holds a special place in the hearts of all Syrians. That’s why President Al-Sharaa’s first official visit abroad was to Riyadh. Syria received a warm welcome and a clear signal of Saudi commitment to our recovery,” the minister stated.

Al-Mustafa further said the forum reflects Syria’s readiness to turn the page.

“After decades of authoritarian rule and economic stagnation, Damascus is now presenting itself as a serious opportunity for investors. The soil is fertile, the environment is right, and we welcome all those who want to be part of Syria’s renewal,” he affirmed.