PIF Launches Halal Products Development Company

PIF Launches Halal Products Development Company
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PIF Launches Halal Products Development Company

PIF Launches Halal Products Development Company

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the launch of the Halal Products Development Company, which will invest in localizing the Halal production industry in Saudi Arabia by increasing the efficiency of the ecosystem locally.

The company will also support the development of knowledge and innovation in this key industry, with plans to export to different markets globally.

Building on Saudi Arabia’s position in the Islamic world, HPDC will aim to unify global efforts and promote Saudi Arabia as a global Halal hub, state news agency SPA reported.

The company will allow local players, small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, to grow and expand across global Halal markets, and will develop the Halal production industry in Saudi Arabia through partnerships with key local and international players to enrich the ecosystem locally and contribute to job creation.

HPDC aims to localize knowledge, technology, and innovation for the development of Halal products including foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

The company also aims to promote investment and economic opportunities for the industry by introducing various services, including specialized advisory. It will enable PIF and its portfolio companies to access a variety of collaboration and investment opportunities across global Halal markets.

The launch of the company aligns with PIF’s strategy, which focuses on developing and enabling the capabilities of key sectors– including consumer goods and retail, and food and agriculture – to improve the trade balance, localize and develop the industry, and contribute to the diversification of the economy and growth of non-oil GDP, underscoring the objectives of Vision 2030.



Safe-Haven Gold Breaks $2,700/Oz Level as Uncertainty Looms

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
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Safe-Haven Gold Breaks $2,700/Oz Level as Uncertainty Looms

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

Gold breached the $2,700-per-ounce level on Friday for the first time ever, as US election jitters and simmering Middle East tensions boosted safe-haven demand, while a looser monetary policy environment also added fuel to the rally.
Spot gold firmed 0.6% to $2,709.28 per ounce by 0430 GMT and gained 2% this week. US gold futures rose 0.6% to $2,724.50.
Gold could gather further traction given the fluidity of election developments and geopolitical uncertainties, said OCBC FX strategist Christopher Wong.
Hezbollah said it will escalate war with Israel after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Elsewhere, with less than three weeks remaining to cast votes this US presidential election, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump are stretching for the support of every last voter.
"Gold has scoffed at a surging dollar and rallies at every chance it gets. It's just a bull market that shows no signs of exhaustion," said Tai Wong, a New York-based independent metals trader.
US economic data released overnight pointed to a strengthening economy, which boosted the US dollar. But traders still see a 90% chance of a Federal Reserve rate cut in November. The European Central Bank cut interest rates for the third time this year as the euro zone economy sags.
Lower rates increase the non-yielding bullion's appeal.
Bullion will continue to perform well over the long term, benefiting from the precarious fiscal situations of many Western nations, and the global desire for a store of value independent of other assets and institutions, said Ryan McIntyre, senior portfolio manager at Sprott Asset Management.
Delegates to the London Bullion Market Association's annual gathering
predicted
gold would rise to $2,941 over the next 12 months and silver to $45.
Spot silver rose 0.9% to $31.97 and headed for a weekly gain. Platinum added 0.6% to $997.80 and palladium increased 0.6% to $1,048.55.