Saudi-French Agreement to Boost Economnic Cooperation

Franck Riester, French minister delegate for foreign trade and economic attractiveness (L) and Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia (R).
Franck Riester, French minister delegate for foreign trade and economic attractiveness (L) and Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia (R).
TT
20

Saudi-French Agreement to Boost Economnic Cooperation

Franck Riester, French minister delegate for foreign trade and economic attractiveness (L) and Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia (R).
Franck Riester, French minister delegate for foreign trade and economic attractiveness (L) and Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia (R).

A French delegation of government officials, diplomats, and investors concluded their visit to Saudi Arabia by signing an agreement to boost bilateral investment relations and support long-term partnerships in emerging sectors.

The delegation included French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness Franck Riester and French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ludovic Pouille.

The framework cooperation deal was signed between the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) and MEDEF International, which is a French non-profit responsible for promoting the French private sector internationally.

Commenting on the agreement, Laurent Germain, chairman of the Saudi-French Business Council of MEDEF International, said: “I am delighted to have signed the framework cooperation agreement between MEDEF International and the Saudi Ministry of Investment, which will serve as an important step in deepening Saudi-French economic ties."

"Over the past couple of days, we held insightful and productive meetings with Saudi ministers, government officials, CEOs, and investors, and we thank our Saudi partners for hosting us.”

Speaking on the occasion, the French minister said: “French companies are ready and willing to be major partners in the Kingdom’s giga-projects. Thanks to their world-renowned know-how and unmatched expertise, they are ideally suited to meet the high expectations of the Kingdom.”

The meetings were held in Riyadh and were attended by several Saudi government entities, including officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Commerce, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF).



Saudi Market Rises as Investors Absorb Tariff Shock

Entrance to the Tadawul Tower in Riyadh’s financial district (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Entrance to the Tadawul Tower in Riyadh’s financial district (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
20

Saudi Market Rises as Investors Absorb Tariff Shock

Entrance to the Tadawul Tower in Riyadh’s financial district (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Entrance to the Tadawul Tower in Riyadh’s financial district (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Gulf markets trimmed their losses on Monday, with the Saudi stock index erasing earlier declines and turning positive, driven by gains in major stocks such as ACWA Power and Aramco.

Despite a sluggish start, influenced by tariff concerns, the Tadawul index managed to overcome these challenges, closing 1.1% higher.

In contrast, other Gulf bourses saw limited declines, with Qatar and Kuwait exchanges registering drops, while the Muscat bourse also experienced a slight dip.

These movements come amid a broader retreat in global stock markets, still reacting to US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose tariff hikes.

The Saudi stock market rose 1.1%, closing at 11,194 points, up 117 points. The market recorded active trading, with total turnover reaching approximately 10.6 billion riyals ($2.8 billion), the highest since December 2024.

Despite a sharp decline of over 400 points earlier in the session, which brought the market to a low of 10,657 points, it successfully recovered to end the day higher. On Sunday, the market had dropped by more than 800 points.

ACWA Power led the gainers, jumping 6.8% to close at 331 riyals. Aramco shares also rose 1%, reaching 25.25 riyals.

Meanwhile, Al Takaful Cooperative saw a 5% increase, closing at 131 riyals, following the company’s announcement of cash dividends for shareholders.

These movements come as markets absorb the shock of the tariff hike, with Gulf financial markets showing mixed performance following sharp declines in reaction to Trump’s decision to raise tariffs.