Saudi: SEC Secures $2.6 Billion in Local Syndicated Facility Agreement

The Oil Demand Sustainability Program signed a cooperation agreement with SAL Saudi Logistics Services. (SPA)
The Oil Demand Sustainability Program signed a cooperation agreement with SAL Saudi Logistics Services. (SPA)
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Saudi: SEC Secures $2.6 Billion in Local Syndicated Facility Agreement

The Oil Demand Sustainability Program signed a cooperation agreement with SAL Saudi Logistics Services. (SPA)
The Oil Demand Sustainability Program signed a cooperation agreement with SAL Saudi Logistics Services. (SPA)

The Saudi Electricity Company signed with nine local banks a syndicated facility agreement valued at SAR 10 billion ($2.6 billion).

The seven-year facility is provided by Al Rajhi Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, Saudi British Bank, Saudi National Bank, Riyad Bank, Bank Albilad, Bank AlJazira, Qatar National Bank KSA and Saudi Investment Bank.

In a statement, Saudi Electricity said that the collateral-free facility was intended to be used for financing general corporate purposes, including capital expenditure.

Saudi Electricity CEO Khaled Al-Gnoon emphasized that the company was working to improve efficiency and reliability, and to achieve a quantum leap in developing and automating the electric service provided to a growing base of nearly 11 million subscribers.

On a different note, the Oil Demand Sustainability Program signed a cooperation agreement with SAL Saudi Logistics Services, which provides for the replacement of wooden pallets with plastic pallets, in a move aimed at supporting the transition towards sustainability in the field of logistics and loading.

The Oil Demand Sustainability Program was launched in 2020, with the participation of several government agencies, companies and research centers. The program works to enhance the added value that can be achieved from hydrocarbons, by developing innovative hydrocarbon materials, and promoting their sustainable use, in addition to supporting the localization of the associated supply chain in the Kingdom.

The agreement was signed by the Head of the Executive Office of the Petroleum Demand Sustainability Program, Eng. Mohammad Haitham Al-Tayyar, and the Managing Director and CEO of SAL Saudi Company for Logistics Services, Faisal Al-Beddah.

Al-Beddah noted that the use of polymeric materials in the manufacture of pallets had several economic and environmental benefits.

He explained that plastic pallets were more sustainable, produced less carbon emissions, were recyclable and reusable, and preserved vegetation.

SAL Saudi Logistics Services provides integrated logistical services in the field of cargo handling across all Saudi airports.

It also offers integrated logistical solutions services to its partners from the sports, entertainment, culture and arts sectors to contribute to achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.



Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production
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Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a remarkable 47% increase in potato production in 2023, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 86% with over 621,750 tons of potatoes produced compared to 423,770 tons in 2021.

This milestone was achieved after more than 17,000 hectares of land were cultivated with potatoes in 2023, up from 15,890 hectares in 2021. The potato production surge has positively impacted the manufacturing sector, stimulating investment and the use of advanced technologies.

According to the Ministry, overall vegetable production in 2023 reached 3.21 million tons, marking a 19% rise from 2020.

The significant improvement in agricultural productivity and its SAR109 billion contribution to the GDP are attributed to the Ministry's strategic initiatives focused on boosting self-sufficiency, attracting investments, and providing financial support, including increased financing rates for modern technology-based projects.

By prioritizing local production and reducing reliance on imports, the ministry aims to achieve the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and diversifying the national economy.