New Saudi Chambers of Commerce System to Raise Efficiency, Unlock Membership for Foreign Investors

A new system at the Saudi Chambers of Commerce is expected to play a new role in developing the Saudi economy, Asharq Al-Awsat
A new system at the Saudi Chambers of Commerce is expected to play a new role in developing the Saudi economy, Asharq Al-Awsat
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New Saudi Chambers of Commerce System to Raise Efficiency, Unlock Membership for Foreign Investors

A new system at the Saudi Chambers of Commerce is expected to play a new role in developing the Saudi economy, Asharq Al-Awsat
A new system at the Saudi Chambers of Commerce is expected to play a new role in developing the Saudi economy, Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Commerce has introduced a new system to the Chambers of Commerce that is centered on raising business competitiveness and developing economic activities nationwide through enhancing strategic partnerships.

Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al Qasabi confirmed that the new system will provide a solid roadmap for developing the Kingdom’s Chambers of Commerce and that it goes hand in hand with the national vision for transformation, dubbed “Kingdom Vision 2030.”

The new chambers' system was approved during the Saudi cabinet’s meeting on December 1 that was chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The system will also improve the performance of commerce chambers through performance indicators and raise efficiency as per the best international practices, according to a statement by the ministry.

Under the new system, the name of the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) will be changed to the Union of Chambers (UoC), the statement said.

In addition, it will facilitate the start and practice of a business as it will exempt all new companies and institutions from chambers’ subscription fees for a period of three years.

Furthermore, foreign investors will be able to join the boards of commerce chambers for the first time after the Saudi citizenship condition for the membership was cancelled.

Former heads and members at the Saudi Chambers of Commerce told Asharq Al-Awsat that the new system will ensure a qualitative leap by introducing performance measurement indicators and raising efficiency.

This will enhance competitiveness in the business sector as well as help the Chambers keep up-to-date with relevant government agencies on plans and strategies that develop the national economy and strengthen the role of the private sector.

UoC Chairman Ajlan Al-Ajlan explained that the new system comes at an important economic stage in which the Kingdom is undergoing a comprehensive transformation process based on Kingdom Vision 2030.

The transformation includes comprehensively restructuring the Saudi economy, developing and reforming commercial and investment regulations and legislation, as well as an expanding the role played by the private sector in economic development.



Saudi EXIM Hosts Global Risk Experts Meeting in Riyadh

The event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions. - SPA
The event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions. - SPA
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Saudi EXIM Hosts Global Risk Experts Meeting in Riyadh

The event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions. - SPA
The event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions. - SPA

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) hosted the Berne Union's Country Risk Specialist Meeting, providing a platform for experts and thought leaders in risk management from the export credit community.
At the meeting, which took place from November 19 to 21 in Riyadh, the attendees exchanged best practices to better protect the industry amid shifting global dynamics.
According to a statement issued by the Saudi EXIM on Saturday, the event gathered specialists from 47 organizations from 33 countries; it served as a platform for discussing strategies, partnerships, and innovative solutions.
By strengthening institutional resilience, the industry is ready to turn global economic challenges into opportunities for economic prosperity, said the statement, adding that it played a crucial role in advancing global trade, strengthening international cooperation, and developing credit solutions that empower export activities while controlling risk, SPA reported.
According to the statement, discussions centered on critical risks impacting international trade and the global economy, such as debt sustainability and geopolitical tensions, along with innovative approaches to risk modelling. Participants also explored the global shifts in infrastructure, energy and critical minerals sectors, and were given an overview of Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Strategy, which focuses on economic diversification through investments, developing new sectors, and promoting local industries.
In his opening remarks, Saudi EXIM CEO Eng. Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalb said the meeting is an ideal platform to address risks impacting global economic decision making.
He stated: "Through such meetings, we can turn challenges into strategic opportunities and enhance our resilience in an ever-changing world. At Saudi EXIM, we remain committed to enabling companies by offering expert financial and non-financial solutions to navigate risks effectively."
He also said that "at Saudi EXIM, we place great emphasis on risk management. In alignment with the main objective of this meeting, I am pleased to announce the completion of our independent country risk model, which is supported by advanced modelling tools and machine learning. This model will provide country ratings and predictions of default risks. We look forward to collaborating with our partners in other export credit agencies to exchange knowledge and expertise, and to strengthening our risk management functions with greater responsibility and effectiveness."
Associate Director at Berne Union Eve Hall said: "The global risk landscape today is highly volatile and highly interconnected. As we navigate our way around the ongoing transformations connected to energy transition and shifting industrial strategies, the traditional concept of 'country risk' is becoming increasingly complex. Our industry excels at understanding, quantifying and pricing these risks, and by bringing together this community of experts for technical exchange the Berne Union is able to help support the development of the industry as a whole. The initiatives announced by our colleagues at Saudi EXIM, making use of new technology in risk analysis, provide a fantastic example of where collaboration in this field can be effectively applied."
The statement disclosed that Saudi EXIM's membership in Berne represents a significant strategic step, and is consistent with the Kingdom's commitment to expanding collaboration and integration in the global economy.
This is achieved by building partnerships with leading institutions to address the challenges facing the export credit sector. It also aligns with the bank's goal of developing the export of national products and services through partnerships with national and international financial and funding organizations.
Berne Union works with global trade organizations to encourage the adoption of best practices in export credit insurance, and to cooperate in maintaining the stability of global trade.
Saudi EXIM, a development bank under the National Development Fund, contributes to diversifying the Kingdom's economic base by improving the efficiency of non-oil export ecosystems, bridging financial gaps, and minimizing export risks. This plays a role in helping the non-oil national economy grow, in line with Vision 2030.