Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan Agree to Establish Joint Business Council

Signing ceremony of an agreement to establish a joint Saudi-Azerbaijani business council to enhance trade and investment in the two countries (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Signing ceremony of an agreement to establish a joint Saudi-Azerbaijani business council to enhance trade and investment in the two countries (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan Agree to Establish Joint Business Council

Signing ceremony of an agreement to establish a joint Saudi-Azerbaijani business council to enhance trade and investment in the two countries (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Signing ceremony of an agreement to establish a joint Saudi-Azerbaijani business council to enhance trade and investment in the two countries (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC) and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency in Azerbaijan signed on Monday an agreement to establish a joint business council in efforts to enhance intra-trade between the Kingdom and Azerbaijan and increase the volume of trade and investment cooperation.

The signing of the agreement coincides with the 17th session of the Saudi-Azerbaijani Joint Committee held in Baku, where the signing ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister of Investment Eng. Khaled Al-Falih.

This agreement reflects the keenness of the two countries and the business sectors to raise the volume of trade and investment exchanges.

The Joint Business Council will carry out a number of commercial and promotional activities in promoting and expanding Azerbaijani-Saudi trade and economic cooperation by focusing on the targeted sectors in the economic cooperation agenda in the two countries.

It will also provide a platform for Saudis and Azerbaijani businessmen to introduce and promote their activities and establish business partnerships.

The joint business council will be concerned with opening new qualitative areas for economic cooperation while facilitating continuous interaction between the Saudi and Azerbaijani business sectors.

The council will work to address challenges and obstacles, as well as exchange information on available markets and investment opportunities, and enable trade and investment partnerships.

The Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the environment and investment incentives it provides constitute promising investment opportunities for Azerbaijani business owners in various economic sectors.

The establishment of a Saudi-Azerbaijan Business Council provides a valuable opportunity for Azerbaijani companies to deal with the Saudi market, which is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

It will also provide a platform for Saudis and Azerbaijani businessmen to introduce and promote their activities and establish business partnerships.

The FSC also organized on Monday a meeting in Riyadh for the Public Investment Fund (PIF) with the heads and members of chambers of commerce, national committees, and business councils.

The meeting discussed ways to boost cooperation between the two parties and how to activate the role of the Saudi private sector in the PIF's current and future projects, in addition to increasing the local content in its projects and purchases.

The FSC stressed the effectiveness of the partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as the importance of communicating with the PIF as well as supporting the business sector, offering investment opportunities for it, and creating initiatives that contribute to achieving strong growth rates for the private sector, in line with Vision 2030.

The meeting also shed light on the PIF's projects and the opportunities available to the Saudi business sector, and how the sector can benefit from them.



Oman LNG Delivers First Shipment to Shell

A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
TT

Oman LNG Delivers First Shipment to Shell

A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)

Oman LNG on Tuesday announced the successful loading of its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo to Shell under its new long-term agreements, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its global market reach and reinforce Oman’s position as a leading LNG supplier.
According to Oman News Agency, the ceremonial event took place at Oman LNG’s state-of-the-art facility in Sur, under the auspices of Salim al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, alongside senior officials from Oman LNG and Shell.
Aufi, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of this milestone, saying, “Today’s shipment is not merely a delivery but a testament to Oman’s commitment to energy security, global collaboration, and sustainable economic growth. It also reflects the strong partnership between Oman LNG and Shell, built on mutual trust and a shared vision.”

Shell, as the largest offtaker under these new agreements, plays a pivotal role in Oman LNG’s strategic plans for sustained growth and market expansion.

Oman LNG’s CEO, Hamad al Naamany, highlighted the significance of this shipment, saying, “We are embarking on a 10-year concession extension with market leaders in LNG and energy. Our growth is aligned with Oman’s vision and adapted to the evolving global energy market demands. Our partnership with Shell continues to thrive, contributing to Oman’s economic diversification goals.”