Tunisia Says Talks with IMF Positive, Committed to Paying Debts

A vendor offers rose petals to produce rose water traditionally in Nabeul, south of Tunis, Tunisa, 07 May 2022. (EPA)
A vendor offers rose petals to produce rose water traditionally in Nabeul, south of Tunis, Tunisa, 07 May 2022. (EPA)
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Tunisia Says Talks with IMF Positive, Committed to Paying Debts

A vendor offers rose petals to produce rose water traditionally in Nabeul, south of Tunis, Tunisa, 07 May 2022. (EPA)
A vendor offers rose petals to produce rose water traditionally in Nabeul, south of Tunis, Tunisa, 07 May 2022. (EPA)

Tunisian Finance Minister Sihen Boughiri said on Wednesday that initial talks with the International Monetary Fund were positive and that Tunis was committed to paying all its foreign debts.

Tunisia, in the throes of a severe financial crisis, is seeking to reach a new loan deal with the IMF in exchange for what would be unpopular reforms that include lifting subsidies and freezing wages.

Boughiri also said that Tunisia would repay 3.5 billion dinars ($1.14 billion) in foreign debt this month.



Saudi Arabia’s PIF Tops Global Sovereign Wealth Funds in Brand Value for 2nd Consecutive Year

Saudi Arabia’s PIF Tops Global Sovereign Wealth Funds in Brand Value for 2nd Consecutive Year
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF Tops Global Sovereign Wealth Funds in Brand Value for 2nd Consecutive Year

Saudi Arabia’s PIF Tops Global Sovereign Wealth Funds in Brand Value for 2nd Consecutive Year

Brand Finance, a leading global brand valuation consultancy, announced on Monday that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has once again topped the list of the world’s most valuable and fastest-growing sovereign wealth funds for 2025, with a brand value of $1.2 billion, reflecting an 11% increase compared to 2024.

According to Brand Finance’s annual report, which evaluates the largest sovereign wealth funds and asset management brands, PIF earned an A+ rating for brand strength and ranked second globally with a score of 62.9. It also placed seventh in brand value relative to assets under management (AUM), standing out as the only sovereign wealth fund among the top 10 on this index.

The report highlighted PIF’s brand as the fastest-growing among global sovereign wealth funds in 2025, attributing this growth to several key achievements. These include the consistent expansion of its AUM, driven by the strong performance of Saudi companies and the maturation of projects aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Furthermore, the fund’s proactive efforts to raise awareness of its initiatives and its unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and impact have bolstered its brand performance.

Brand valuation encompasses assessing the effectiveness of brand performance and its influence on stakeholder behavior and financial outcomes, both directly and indirectly. This includes attracting investors and securing funding, recruiting and retaining talent, and generating positive media coverage.

Brand Finance Chairman and CEO David Haigh underlined the significant role of impact investments in boosting brand awareness and reputation, particularly on the international sports stage.

He stated that the PIF stands out through several notable examples, most prominently through its investment in Newcastle United, transforming the club into a competitive, title-winning team. Additionally, the fund’s sponsorships in globally renowned sports such as golf, tennis, and electric motor racing further elevate its brand presence.

The PIF focuses on pursuing its strategic goals to drive positive economic impact within the Kingdom and ensure sustainable returns. It is recognized as one of the world’s most influential investors and actively fosters new sectors and opportunities that shape the global economy while accelerating economic transformation in Saudi Arabia.

According to a Global SWF report, the fund jointly ranked first worldwide for compliance and performance in governance, sustainability, and resilience (GSR) standards, achieving a 100% compliance rate by 2025 among 200 sovereign investors. It holds an Aa3 credit rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s and an A+ rating with a stable outlook from Fitch Ratings, underscoring its strong financial standing.