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Iraqi Oil Minister Says Saudi Output Cut Helps Stabilize Market

FILE: Iraq’s oil minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar aid in an interview with state TV via Reuters
FILE: Iraq’s oil minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar aid in an interview with state TV via Reuters
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Iraqi Oil Minister Says Saudi Output Cut Helps Stabilize Market

FILE: Iraq’s oil minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar aid in an interview with state TV via Reuters
FILE: Iraq’s oil minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar aid in an interview with state TV via Reuters

Iraqi oil minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar told state TV in an interview on Thursday that Saudi Arabia’s voluntary output cut of 1 million bpd helps stabilize the market, and he expected steady oil prices that should reach around $57 per barrel in the first quarter.

Oil minister said Iraq is in “heavy talks” with OPEC and allied oil producers to allow Iraq to postpone compensating for earlier overproduction.

“OPEC members and allies were understanding to Iraq’s situation and its financial crisis,” oil minister said in an interview with state TV.

Abdul Jabbar said requesting delaying compensation of overproduction does not not mean Iraq would evade complying with its commitment to OPEC+ cut deal and will abide by cutting its production to preserve market stability.

Non-commitment of Iraqi Kurdistan to its share of the production cut is the main reason of reaching a recent low compliance of 79% of pledged cuts under the OPEC+ deal, said Ihsan Abdul Jabbar, according to Reuters.

“We reached an initial agreement with Kurdish region to cut their production by 20 percent or around 80,000 barrels per day but they didn’t commit and kept production at 430,000 barrels,” said oil minister.

OPEC+ cut supply by a record 9.7 million bpd last year and is pumping an extra 500,000 bpd in January under a plan to unwind the curbs gradually.

Most producers will hold steady in February and Saudi Arabia is cutting output by 1 million bpd next month and March.

On Tuesday, Brent crude rose 36 cents and settled at $56.42 a barrel.

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Business

1st European Chamber of Commerce in GCC to Open in Riyadh

The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA
The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA
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1st European Chamber of Commerce in GCC to Open in Riyadh

The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA
The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA

The first European Chamber of Commerce in the GCC region, ECCKSA, is set to be inaugurated in Saudi Arabia on May 8 to enhance economic and business ties between the Kingdom and the European Union.

The launch event will take place at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter of Riyadh.

ECCKSA’s website says the Chamber is “dedicated to advocating European business interests in Saudi Arabia and vice versa.”

“As a member-driven organization with strong government ties, ECCKSA offers a dynamic business network, opening doors to substantial commercial opportunities.”

“ECCKSA leverages its strong governmental relationships to facilitate market access for member companies, ensuring fair opportunities for both European and Saudi businesses,” it adds.

During the Saudi-EU Investment Forum held in October, Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said that the Kingdom’s coordination with the EU has a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing economic transitions.

Al-Falih emphasized the opportunities for investment and trade cooperation between the Kingdom and Europe.

“I am convinced there is still immense potential for expanding our partnership further, especially in terms of scale, diversity, and quality of our outbound and inbound investments,” he said.

He stated that trade between the two countries reached 80 billion euros ($84.8 billion) in 2022, representing a 30 percent increase over the previous year.

The minister added that over 1,300 European companies have invested in Saudi Arabia.

At the same event, European Commission Executive Vice President Maros Sefcovic said that the EU and Saudi Arabia “share an interest in continuing interactions on multilateral trade policy agendas.”

He said he was pleased that there was an agreement to accelerate the creation of ECCKSA.

Business

S&P Affirms Türkiye’s Successful Economic Plan

People shop at Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Türkiye, November 4, 2022. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
People shop at Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Türkiye, November 4, 2022. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
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S&P Affirms Türkiye’s Successful Economic Plan

People shop at Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Türkiye, November 4, 2022. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
People shop at Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Türkiye, November 4, 2022. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya

Credit ratings agency S&P on Friday moved Türkiye’s long-term sovereign rating one notch higher to B+ from B, with a positive outlook, according to a statement late Friday.

The ratings agency then forecasted rising portfolio inflows and narrowing current account deficits over the next two years, alongside declining inflation and dollarization.

“Following local elections in Türkiye, we believe the coordination between monetary, fiscal, and incomes policy is set to improve, amid external rebalancing,” it said.

The agency said Turkiye's policymakers are set to persevere with efforts to reduce elevated inflation through a combination of monetary and credit tightening, less generous wage settlements, and gradual fiscal consolidation.

Türkiye has launched a series of steps meant to cool soaring inflation, which could reach around 75% in May when the government ends its plan to provide a monthly reduction on natural gas bills. Ahead of the 2023 parliamentary and presidential elections, the government has promised discounted natural gas bills for households for a year until May 2024.

S&P Global Ratings raised the country's rating outlook to positive in November in a move to recognize Türkiye’s shift to more orthodox economic policies and the central bank's steep rate hikes, made to rein in inflation, which climbed to 69.8 percent year-on-year in April despite raising the policy rate to 50 percent.

Türkiye ranks fourth in global inflation rates, surpassed by Argentina, Syria and Lebanon.

Fitch Ratings upgraded the country’s credit rating earlier this year to B+ while Moody’s raised its outlook to positive at the same time as affirming its B3 ranking.

Mehmet Şimşek, the Turkish treasury and finance minister, earlier cited his expectations for credit upgrades to continue in March following Fitch’s move.

“The positive outlooks of S&P, Fitch and Moody’s foreshadow further rating increases,” Simsek said Saturday in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“The positive results of our program are reflected in the decisions of credit rating agencies,” he added.

“We are determined to carry the confidence in our country to the highest level with our strengthened program,” the minister also said.

Meanwhile, Burak Daglioglu, head of theTurkish Presidency Investment Office, said Türkiye last year rose to fourth place in Europe in attracting the most international investment projects.

“The $10.6 billion in international direct investment we attracted in 2023 is the most concrete sign of this success,” Daglioglu noted.

Commenting on a report by audit and consulting firm EY on foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Europe in 2023, Daglioglu said Türkiye has maintained its steady rise in attracting the most international direct investment in Europe in the post-pandemic period.

He said EY found a significant fall from the previous year in FDI projects in Europe for the first time since the pandemic, blamed on factors such as low economic growth, high inflation, rising energy prices, and geopolitical risks.

He said 5,694 investment projects were announced in Europe, down 4% from the previous year.

The number of projects in Europe was 11% below its level in 2019 and 14% below the 2017 peak, according to Daglioglu.

He added that Türkiye ranked seventh in the European league in 2020 and fifth in 2022. “The country rose to fourth among the top 10 countries, attracting 375 international direct investment projects in 2023. With a 17% rise from the previous year, Türkiye also ranked first among the top 10 countries in terms of growth in 2023,” Daglioglu said.

Business

CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co.: Plant Construction Making Significant Progress

CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. Wesam Al-Ghamdi
CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. Wesam Al-Ghamdi
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CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co.: Plant Construction Making Significant Progress

CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. Wesam Al-Ghamdi
CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. Wesam Al-Ghamdi

The CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. has announced progress on building the world’s largest hydrogen plant in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM region.

Wesam Al-Ghamdi revealed that the construction of the plant in NEOM’s city of “Oxagon” is advancing significantly.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Ghamdi revealed that his company received initial supplies and is now focusing on installation, expecting more deliveries this year.

The CEO reaffirmed that he aims for significant construction progress this year, gearing up for full operations by 2026.

Al-Ghamdi referenced the company’s notable accomplishment in 2023, reaching full financial closure in May of the previous year after securing a total funding of $8.4 billion.

The CEO highlighted the importance of getting started at the NOEM green hydrogen complex. He mentioned that even though it’s in the early stages with support from ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM, the funding has helped speed up construction.

He emphasized how this financial backing shows confidence in the project’s economic value and its goal of creating the biggest hydrogen plant globally.

Hydrogen Production

Al-Ghamdi explained that in 2023, the company focused on completing basic construction works to prepare for receiving key supplies at their NEOM site. The first six wind turbines arrived in October at NEOM’s port in “Oxagon,” a city focused on clean industries.

He stressed his company’s confidence in scaling up green hydrogen production at the lowest cost possible by 2026. Saudi Arabia aims to lead globally in hydrogen production and exports, aligning with green initiatives. The target is to produce 4 million tons of clean hydrogen annually by 2030.

Saudi Arabia Leading in Green Hydrogen

Al-Ghamdi predicted that Saudi Arabia will take the lead in producing green hydrogen soon, tapping into its vast experience and natural resources like wind and solar power.

He stressed that the NEOM green hydrogen project aims to play a big role in achieving this ambitious goal.

Once operational, the plant is expected to churn out 600 tons of carbon-free hydrogen daily by 2026, enough to power around 20,000 hydrogen buses.

It also plans to produce 1.2 million tons of green ammonia yearly for global export. The company will have a special pier for shipping the hydrogen as ammonia directly from its site.

Al-Ghamdi highlighted the project’s importance, saying it aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s national transformation plan, Vision 2030, and will help remove carbon from major sectors like transportation and heavy industries.

NEOM Green Hydrogen Project Leads in Full Funding

Al-Ghamdi highlighted that while many green hydrogen projects globally are still in early planning, the NEOM one stands out as the only project fully funded. This achievement came through an exclusive deal with Air Products to buy all their green hydrogen output for export over three decades.

Al-Ghamdi noted that the emerging green hydrogen sector offers significant global opportunities. NEOM Green Hydrogen aims to showcase these opportunities by proving the economic feasibility of large-scale green hydrogen production and its potential for extensive growth.

Clean hydrogen is increasingly seen as a key solution to combat climate change. As countries strive for carbon neutrality, clean hydrogen is expected to play a vital role in speeding up the transition to cleaner energy and industries, providing the only viable way to remove carbon on a large scale.

NEOM Green Hydrogen Plant Aims to Offset 5 Million Tons of CO2 Annually

Al-Ghamdi affirmed that the plant, upon full operation by 2026, aims to offset up to 5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Clean hydrogen is seen as crucial in addressing emissions from industries heavily reliant on it, such as transportation and heavy machinery.

The CEO emphasized its potential for remote areas where continuous operation is vital, like around-the-clock trucking.

Moreover, Al-Ghamdi highlighted that hydrogen combustion solely produces water vapor, making it a carbon-free end product. In addition to its environmental benefits, the NEOM green hydrogen plant aims to foster international collaboration and invest in clean energy technology.

Business

Saudi Arabia, Japan Discuss Expansion of Investment Opportunities in Digital Field

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha met on Saturday in Jeddah with the Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation, Taro Kono. SPA
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha met on Saturday in Jeddah with the Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation, Taro Kono. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Japan Discuss Expansion of Investment Opportunities in Digital Field

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha met on Saturday in Jeddah with the Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation, Taro Kono. SPA
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha met on Saturday in Jeddah with the Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation, Taro Kono. SPA

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha met on Saturday in Jeddah with the Japanese Minister for Digital Transformation, Taro Kono, and his accompanying delegation.

Al-Swaha discussed with the Japanese Minister the expansion of investment opportunities in the digital field between the two countries to support the growth of the digital economy and innovation.

They also reviewed achievements in several digital projects and joint initiatives within the Saudi and Japanese Vision 2030, accelerating the adoption of modern technologies in digital government services.

Additionally, they discussed localizing research and development centers and fostering partnerships between the two friendly nations to develop capabilities and build an economy based on technology and innovation.

Business

Egypt Rents Floating Liquefied Gas Unit to Support Energy Security

Camel riders are seen at the foot of Khafre Pyramid in Giza, south of the Egyptian capital. (AFP)
Camel riders are seen at the foot of Khafre Pyramid in Giza, south of the Egyptian capital. (AFP)
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Egypt Rents Floating Liquefied Gas Unit to Support Energy Security

Camel riders are seen at the foot of Khafre Pyramid in Giza, south of the Egyptian capital. (AFP)
Camel riders are seen at the foot of Khafre Pyramid in Giza, south of the Egyptian capital. (AFP)

The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum announced on Thursday that the country’s Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) has concluded an agreement with Norway’s Hoegh LNG to rent the Hoegh Galleon floating unit for liquefied natural gas (LNG).

In a statement, the ministry said the unit will be rented for storage and regasification “to secure additional needs for domestic consumption during the summer.”

Hoegh LNG said the unit would be leased for an interim period from June 2024 to February 2026 and deployed in Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea. The aim of the agreement was “to support energy security in Egypt”, the company said in a statement.

Egypt is expected to increase LNG imports during the summer months to meet high demand that caused a wave of power outages last summer, which shocked Egyptians who had been used to a decade of reliable power supplies by the gas producer.

Sources told Reuters that the government bought at least two LNG cargoes in April and is expected to purchase up to 20 over the spring and summer to prepare for increasing power demand.

Returning to imports would reverse the most populous Arab country’s position as a natural gas exporter in recent years, Reuters reported.

Egypt, which faces a growing demand for gas from its population of about 106 million people, is seeking to become a regional gas supplier, but has not made other major discoveries than the giant Zohr field in 2015.

Figures released by the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI) showed that in 2023, total natural gas production in Egypt decreased by 11.5 percent on an annual basis to reach about 59.29 billion cubic meters, the lowest production level since 2017.

Business

Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power Signs $4.85 Bln Deal for Central Asia's Largest Wind Farm

Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Tashkent. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Tashkent. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power Signs $4.85 Bln Deal for Central Asia's Largest Wind Farm

Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Tashkent. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Tashkent. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan for Central Asia’s largest wind farm -- the Aral 5GW Wind Independent Power Producer (IPP) project in the Karakalpakstan region.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Tashkent International Investment Forum held under the patronage of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

It was signed in the presence of Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud during a ceremony inaugurating two of ACWA Power’s ongoing projects in the country: the 1.5GW Sirdarya CCGT plant and the first 100MW phase of the Riverside solar plant in the Tashkent region.

Mirziyoyev also attended the ceremony.

As ACWA Power’s 15th project in Uzbekistan, Aral Wind IPP solidifies the company’s strong commitment to providing the renewable energy needed to meet the Central Asian country’s ambitious aims to have 40% of its energy mix provided by renewables by 2030.

Uzbekistan is ACWA Power’s largest market after its home country of Saudi Arabia, and this latest project brings its total investment in the country to $13.9 billion.

Founder and Chairman of the Board of ACWA Power Mohammad Abunayyan said: “This historic project will provide clean power to approximately 4.5 million houses in Uzbekistan, a country which is propelling its energy transition thanks to its ambitious and decisive leadership.”

“We are proud to collaborate with Uzbekistan’s government to export our low-carbon expertise beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia, improving the lives of millions in a country with whom we are honored to share close ties,” he added.

The Aral Wind IPP will be deployed in five phases. This flagship initiative will generate approximately 18,500 GWh of clean electricity annually, displacing 247 billion tons of CO2 over its lifetime and providing power to around four million homes, thus marking a pivotal step in Uzbekistan's green energy transition.

It is projected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs and stimulate local industry by localizing services and supplies.

ACWA Power is the world’s largest private water desalination company and a leader in energy transition and first mover into green hydrogen.

Its total portfolio in Uzbekistan now comprises 11.6GW of power, of which 10.1GW is renewable, as well as the country’s first green hydrogen project with a capacity of 3,000 tons per year, the first phase of which was inaugurated in November 2023.

Business

Fitch Revises Egypt’s Outlook to Positive on Reduced External Financing Risks

A visitor takes photos of the city from the Salaheddin Citadel in Cairo on May 2, 2024. (AFP)
A visitor takes photos of the city from the Salaheddin Citadel in Cairo on May 2, 2024. (AFP)
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Fitch Revises Egypt’s Outlook to Positive on Reduced External Financing Risks

A visitor takes photos of the city from the Salaheddin Citadel in Cairo on May 2, 2024. (AFP)
A visitor takes photos of the city from the Salaheddin Citadel in Cairo on May 2, 2024. (AFP)

Global ratings agency Fitch revised Egypt's outlook to positive from stable on Friday.

The agency affirmed Egypt's rating at "B-", citing reduced external financing risks and stronger foreign direct investment.

In March, the International Monetary Fund approved an expanded financial support of $8 billion for the North African country.

The IMF's loan program with Egypt should help the country gradually reduce its debt burden, an IMF official said last month.

In February, the country also secured a $35 billion real estate investment from the United Arab Emirates to develop its Mediterranean coast stretch.

Foreign investors have poured billions of dollars into Egyptian treasury bills since the country announced the IMF loan program. After the investment in the country's foreign portfolio and the support from UAE, Egypt's net foreign assets deficit shrank by $17.8 billion in March.

Fitch says that initial steps to contain off-budget spending should help to reduce public debt sustainability risks.

The country straddles North Africa and West Asia and has been grappling with an ongoing economic crisis linked to persistent foreign currency shortages. In the fourth quarter, its foreign debt climbed by $3.5 billion to $168.0 billion.

"Exchange rate flexibility will be more durable partly reflects its close monitoring under Egypt's IMF EFF, which runs to late 2026," said Fitch in a statement.

Moody's revised its outlook on Egypt to "positive" in early March while affirming its ratings due to the high government debt ratio and weaker debt affordability compared to its peers.

Business

Saudi Red Sea Authority, NEOM Sign MoU to Improve Visitor Experience

The MoU, signed by SRSA Acting CEO Mohammed Al-Nasser and NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, reflects SRSA's commitment to encouraging and attracting investment in coastal tourism activities. SPA
The MoU, signed by SRSA Acting CEO Mohammed Al-Nasser and NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, reflects SRSA's commitment to encouraging and attracting investment in coastal tourism activities. SPA
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Saudi Red Sea Authority, NEOM Sign MoU to Improve Visitor Experience

The MoU, signed by SRSA Acting CEO Mohammed Al-Nasser and NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, reflects SRSA's commitment to encouraging and attracting investment in coastal tourism activities. SPA
The MoU, signed by SRSA Acting CEO Mohammed Al-Nasser and NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, reflects SRSA's commitment to encouraging and attracting investment in coastal tourism activities. SPA

Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NEOM to collaborate on developing legislation, regulations, and technology in marine tourism.
The partnership will promote the sharing of expertise and enable the implementation and activation of joint initiatives. The aim is to enhance research, deliver innovation, and improve the visitor experience for tourists in Saudi Arabia's existing, emerging, and future Red Sea coastal destinations.
The MoU, signed by SRSA Acting CEO Mohammed Al-Nasser and NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, reflects SRSA's commitment to encouraging and attracting investment in coastal tourism activities. It also assists small and medium enterprises, including administrative, technical, and advisory support.
Through this partnership, SRSA aims to integrate with relevant entities from the public, private, and third sectors to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which is to activate the role of coastal tourism as one of the promising and valuable sectors of the national economy.
The agreement specified several areas of cooperation, such as supporting opportunities available to investors in coastal tourism and water activities, as well as planning and implementing other joint initiatives as agreed upon by the two parties.
The MoU reflects SRSA's efforts to expand its strategic partnerships and explore best practices to regulate navigational and marine tourism activities, all while ensuring sustainability and care for the environment.

Business

South African Minister of Electricity: Imminent Investments with Aramco, ACWA Power

South Africa’s Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Reuters)
South Africa’s Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Reuters)
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South African Minister of Electricity: Imminent Investments with Aramco, ACWA Power

South Africa’s Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Reuters)
South Africa’s Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Reuters)

 

South Africa’s Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said that Saudi Aramco is likely to pump $10 billion to invest in his country’s petrochemical sector, amid expectations that ACWA Power will announce more investments in the renewable energy sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of his participation in the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Ramokgopa revealed that Saudi Arabia is the largest Gulf investor in the renewable energy sector in his country.
On Saudi-South African relations, he told Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview that “relations between the two countries improved from the time South Africa gained its freedom in 1994. This year this relationship coincides with a very important milestone in South Africa’s history as South Africa simultaneously celebrates 30 years of democracy it also celebrates 30 years of good bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 
“Following this in 1995 our first democratically elected President Nelson Mandela visited the Kingdom and his legacy since then has ensured that all subsequent Heads of State from my country have visited. Our current president Cyril Ramaphosa visited twice, the first time in 2018 and more recently in October 2022, when he met with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman. 
“Since then, there have been more than ten high-level visits between our two countries”, he said.
He added that investments from Saudi Arabia “shows significant progress with huge investments in SAs renewable energy sector. Saudi Arabia is SAs largest investor from the GCC region. Following President Ramaphosa’s State Visit in 2022, ACWA Power is expected to announce further investments in the renewable energy sector. A further US$10bn in investment is expected in the petrochemical sector, through Saudi Aramco. The recent investment was by Maaden investing in South Africa’s Chemicals sector in a Sales, Marketing & Support project.
“In March 2023, Saudia announced a resumption of direct flights to South Africa and earlier this month, the Saudi government announced that “It was agreed to include the Republic of South Africa [will be] among the group (A) countries where its nationals can obtain a tourist visa online (e-visa) or upon arrival.” As soon as this is implemented we will be the first African country to receive this privilege; whilst at the same time Saudi nationals do not require visas to visit South Africa for a ninety-day stay.”
“One of the key announcements made during the State Visit by President Ramaphosa in October 2022, was that Saudi Arabia will embark on importing red meat from South Africa. Robust engagements between the relevant authorities from the two countries have resulted in the uplifting of a 19-year-old ban and since February 2024, South African red meat and red meat products have been available on the shelves of major grocery stores throughout the Kingdom”, the Minister noted.
“In October 2023 Saudi Arabia announced the introduction of Saudi e-visas for citizens of 49 countries including South Africa, with a quick and easy-to-use online portal, and affordable fees. Making South Africa the first African country to receive the e-visa for Saudi Arabia”. 
“All of this is a clear indication of our strong growing relations. We look forward to ensuring that the work and effort that we as leaders of our countries continue to be reflected in the efforts being done by our support teams both economically and politically”, the Minister underscored.
On his participation in Davos in Riyadh, Ramokgopa stated that “participating in this WEF roundtable presents a significant opportunity to engage in critical dialogues on global economic and developmental challenges. It serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and advancing collective efforts towards sustainable development and prosperity”.
He added: “At the forefront of my participation are several pressing topics that concern not only South Africa but the entire global community. Firstly, ensuring access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a paramount concern. Electricity is the lifeblood of modern economies, essential for driving industrialization, powering innovation, and improving the quality of life for millions. Addressing energy poverty and enhancing energy access are imperative for fostering inclusive growth and development.
“Secondly, the transition towards renewable energy and the mitigation of climate change are central to our discussions. The world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, and the urgency to decarbonize our energy systems cannot be overstated. Embracing clean and sustainable energy sources is not only an environmental imperative but also presents significant economic opportunities, particularly for regions abundant in renewable resources like South Africa.
“Moreover, the importance of fostering innovation and leveraging technology in the energy sector cannot be overlooked. Embracing digitalization, smart grids, and energy storage solutions are pivotal for enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of our energy infrastructure”.
He continued: “This year’s Riyadh gathering holds immense importance for the region and the world at large. It provides a platform for African nations to articulate their priorities, showcase their potential, and attract investments that can drive sustainable development and economic growth. By engaging in constructive dialogues and forging partnerships, we can collectively address shared challenges, unlock opportunities, and pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all”.
On the prospects of cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the field of energy, clean energy and electric energy, the Minister stated that investment from Saudi Arabia shows significant progress with huge investments in SAs renewable energy sector. Saudi Arabia is SAs largest investor from the GCC region. According to FDI markets, Saudi investment into South Africa is estimated at $1.62 bn with 563 jobs created. The recent investment was in 2022 by Maaden investing in South Africa’s Chemicals sector in a Sales, Marketing & Support project. Maaden, a mining company and a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund, has opened a new regional office in South Africa. Saudi investment into SA is focused in sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, business and financial services, real estate, software and IT services and transportation. In this regard South Africa’s position is to attract investment from Saudi Arabia in the following areas: 
- Investment in the Special Economic Zones and Industrial Development Zones: Oil and gas, which involve oil storage and building of an oil refinery with opportunities in Saldanha Bay and Richards Bay Special Economic Zones (SEZs). 
- Green economy: Power generation in terms of independent power generation, energy infrastructure and alternative energy. 
- Renewable energy: Solar PV and Concentrated Solar Power - manufacturing/assembly.
About South Africa’s plan to secure energy and electricity, Ramokgopa said: “In addressing South Africa's energy security needs, the government has laid out a comprehensive plan guided by key policy documents such as the 2023 draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the 2022 Energy Action Plan. These documents serve as the cornerstone of our strategy to ensure a reliable, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for the nation”.
The South African Minister added: “Our plan focuses on several key pillars:
Diversification of Energy Sources: The IRP emphasizes the importance of diversifying our energy mix to reduce dependency on any single energy source. This includes increasing the share of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power while also maintaining a balanced mix that includes coal, natural gas, nuclear, and energy storage technologies.
Promotion of Renewable Energy: The government is committed to significantly increasing the contribution of renewable energy to our energy supply. Through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP) and other initiatives, we aim to expand our renewable energy capacity, harnessing South Africa's abundant solar and wind resources.
Investment in Infrastructure: Ensuring reliable and efficient energy infrastructure is crucial for energy security. The Energy Action Plan outlines measures to invest in and upgrade our electricity transmission and distribution networks, enhancing their capacity and resilience to meet growing demand.
Whilst our efforts have focused on the supply and demand side of the energy value chain, we have now forged ahead to play a more aggressive role in mapping and planning for investment in the maintenance, modernization, and expansion of the national grid in Transmission infrastructure. This work includes the institutional and funding requirements in this regard. It is expected that 53GW will require a connection to the grid by 2032, which in turn requires over 14,000km of new transmission lines, amounting to planned investments of around $20b (USD) over the next ten years. 
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: The government recognizes the importance of energy efficiency and conservation in optimizing energy use and reducing demand. The Energy Action Plan includes initiatives to promote energy-efficient technologies, practices, and behavior among consumers and businesses.
The economic contribution of the energy sector is significant and multifaceted. Energy is a vital enabler of economic activity, contributing to sectors such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and services. In terms of growth rate, our National Treasury's medium-term outlook has improved slightly, with an average growth of 1.6% forecast, compared with 1.4% in the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)”.

 

Business

Gold Set for Second Weekly Fall; US Payrolls on Investors' Radar

FILED - 16 March 2023, Bavaria, Munich: Gold bars and gold coins of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
FILED - 16 March 2023, Bavaria, Munich: Gold bars and gold coins of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
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Gold Set for Second Weekly Fall; US Payrolls on Investors' Radar

FILED - 16 March 2023, Bavaria, Munich: Gold bars and gold coins of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
FILED - 16 March 2023, Bavaria, Munich: Gold bars and gold coins of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa

Gold prices were poised for a second straight weekly decline, although bullion held nearly steady on Friday as investors remained cautious ahead of the US non-farm payrolls data that could provide cues on the Federal Reserve's rate cut timeline.
Spot gold held its ground at $2,299.49 per ounce, as of 0702 GMT, but has lost more than 1% this week. Prices have fallen more than $130 after hitting a record high of $2,431.29 in April.
US gold futures were flat at $2,309.20.
"The big decline over the last two weeks was due to fading concerns of geopolitical risks and hawkish repricing" in rates markets, said OCBC FX strategist Christopher Wong.
A renewed push led by Egypt to revive stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas has raised expectations that a ceasefire agreement could be in sight.
The Fed on Wednesday indicated it is still leaning towards eventual reductions in borrowing costs, but put a red flag on recent disappointing inflation readings that could make those rate cuts a while in coming. Markets are pricing in a 73% chance of a rate cut in November, as per CME's FedWatch Tool.
Bullion is considered an inflation hedge, but elevated interest rates reduce the appeal of the non-yielding asset.
A softer payrolls report could provide support for gold, Wong added. The US non-farm payrolls report is due at 1230 GMT.
Spot gold is biased to break resistance at $2,311 and climb to a range of $2,325-$2,351, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao.
Spot silver fell 0.6% to $26.54, heading for a weekly decline.
As silver dips back towards the $25-$26 breakout area, a bullish reversal sign is likely to follow, Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at City Index, said in a note.
Platinum gained 0.5% to $954.09, rising more than 4% so far in the week. Palladium fell 1% to $925.78.