Saudi Railways Merger is a Step to Boost Transport Sector Privatization

Image used for illustrative purpose. Freight train is seen on a railway station in Riyadh that links Riyadh and the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed
Image used for illustrative purpose. Freight train is seen on a railway station in Riyadh that links Riyadh and the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed
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Saudi Railways Merger is a Step to Boost Transport Sector Privatization

Image used for illustrative purpose. Freight train is seen on a railway station in Riyadh that links Riyadh and the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed
Image used for illustrative purpose. Freight train is seen on a railway station in Riyadh that links Riyadh and the port of Dammam in Saudi Arabia REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed

The merger between Saudi Railway Co. (SAR) and Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) is an important step in privatizing some of the transport sector works, said Saudi Minister of Transport and SAR chairman Saleh Bin Nasser Al Jasser.

The merger will contribute to raising efficiency and flexibility and will enhance the effectiveness of services to achieve an optimal investment of resources, Al Jasser said, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The merger will also open up broader development horizons in operation and investment in a way that will reflect positively on the services provided to the beneficiaries of passengers, institutions, and various entities.

"This will positively reflect on the national economy, enhance the capabilities of local content, and increase job opportunities in the transport sector," the minister added.

For his part, SAR CEO Bashar Al Malik confirmed that the merger will enhance SAR’s capabilities and open up prospects for local and foreign investors in diverse fields, including manufacturing, operations, implementation, research and development, and others.

It will also enhance the local content in these projects with the active participation of the private sector, he added.



China, EU Discuss ‘Level Playing Field’ on Trade, EU’s Sefcovic Says

Maros Sefcovic, the nominee to become the European Union's trade and economic commissioner, holds a press conference after hearings, in Brussels, Belgium November 4, 2024. (Reuters)
Maros Sefcovic, the nominee to become the European Union's trade and economic commissioner, holds a press conference after hearings, in Brussels, Belgium November 4, 2024. (Reuters)
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China, EU Discuss ‘Level Playing Field’ on Trade, EU’s Sefcovic Says

Maros Sefcovic, the nominee to become the European Union's trade and economic commissioner, holds a press conference after hearings, in Brussels, Belgium November 4, 2024. (Reuters)
Maros Sefcovic, the nominee to become the European Union's trade and economic commissioner, holds a press conference after hearings, in Brussels, Belgium November 4, 2024. (Reuters)

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met visiting European Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic for a discussion that Sefcovic said on Saturday included a "level playing field" on trade.

China's commerce ministry described the Friday meeting as a frank and pragmatic exchange of views.

Sefcovic posted on X that it was necessary to ensure the EU-China "relationship is based on a level playing field, in terms of trade flows as well as investment, with symmetrical markets opening".

The Slovak commissioner also met with China's economy tsar on Friday during his first trip to Beijing since being confirmed late last year.

Top officials in Beijing and Europe are looking for common ground despite long-running trade disputes as the US administration of President Donald Trump threatens to upend transatlantic ties and global trade.