S. Korea Keen on Investing in Saudi Mega Projects

Saudi and South Korean officials meet in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi and South Korean officials meet in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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S. Korea Keen on Investing in Saudi Mega Projects

Saudi and South Korean officials meet in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi and South Korean officials meet in Riyadh on Sunday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia and South Korea are seeking to strengthen investment partnerships, develop infrastructure, and exploit modern technologies in several sectors, including transportation, logistics, smart cities, and housing.

A South Korean delegation, comprised of several officials and a group of private investors, is currently visiting the Kingdom.

South Korean companies are planning on taking part in the execution of mega Saudi projects by reviewing their expertise and available services can contribute in achieving Vision 2030.

Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majed al-Hogail received South Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong and his accompanying delegation.

They reviewed the relationship between the two countries and boosting the Saudi-South Korean cooperation in smart cities and housing and ways to develop the housing sector.

Hogail underscored South Korea’s interest in learning about the Saudi experience in smart cities and housing, hoping that the visit would achieve the goals of both governments and people in developing in all sectors.

Later, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh al-Jasser met with Won, his accompanying delegation, and a group of South Korean private investors.

They discussed ways to boost cooperation between their countries in transport and logistics services and several investment partnership opportunities.

The Ministry gave a presentation on the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the opportunities, initiatives, programs, and major projects that are helping consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub linking three continents.

The meeting also reviewed modern technologies used by the system to upgrade all means of transport and transport services in general.

The Korean delegation reviewed its projects and the stages of development achieved in transportation.

A group of Korean companies gave presentations on their role in engineering and construction, smart building, mobility, smart cities, and information and communication technology.

The meeting sought to enhance cooperation between both countries and discuss ways to consolidate the relationship to help in achieving the objectives of the National Transport Strategy through the development of infrastructure and the application of advanced systems.

It sought to consolidate the effective partnership between the public and private sectors to achieve Vision 2030.

Korean companies are seeking, through their visit to Saudi Arabia, to participate in the implementation of development projects, given the great opportunities in the Kingdom and the mega projects under Vision 2030.



Trump Signals US Might Ease Chip Export Curbs on Some Gulf Countries  

US President Donald Trump at the White House. (Reuters) 
US President Donald Trump at the White House. (Reuters) 
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Trump Signals US Might Ease Chip Export Curbs on Some Gulf Countries  

US President Donald Trump at the White House. (Reuters) 
US President Donald Trump at the White House. (Reuters) 

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he might ease US microchip export restrictions to some Gulf countries.

Trump is preparing for his first major diplomatic trip next week that includes a three-country Middle East tour that begins in Saudi Arabia.

“We might be doing that, yeah,” Trump said. “And it will be announced soon.”

The US government is considering reducing restrictions on Nvidia’s AI chip sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reports earlier said.

The Joe Biden-era rule that curbed the export of sophisticated artificial-intelligence chips, had sparked widespread controversy.

Meanwhile, Trump said he will not reduce tariffs on Chinese goods before the upcoming US-China trade talks in Switzerland.

Trump spoke to reporters at the White House on Wednesday about the trade negotiations that are scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday.

The US President was asked whether he would be willing to cut the tariffs to bring China to the negotiating table. He replied, “No.”

However, he sent mixed signals later, telling reporters he would look at specific industry requests for exemptions, but preferred to keep the duties broader and less complicated.

In 2018, the Trump administration exempted some products produced in China from 25% tariffs, including bicycle helmets and child-safety furniture such as car seats and playpens. However, car seat component parts, cribs, bassinets, diaper bags and wooden safety gates were not exempted.