Agreements to Launch Pilot Initiatives for Small Enterprises in Saudi Arabia

Biban 2023 witnessed the signing of more than 25 agreements and memorandums of understanding, and the launch of a number of pioneering and financing initiatives. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Biban 2023 witnessed the signing of more than 25 agreements and memorandums of understanding, and the launch of a number of pioneering and financing initiatives. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Agreements to Launch Pilot Initiatives for Small Enterprises in Saudi Arabia

Biban 2023 witnessed the signing of more than 25 agreements and memorandums of understanding, and the launch of a number of pioneering and financing initiatives. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Biban 2023 witnessed the signing of more than 25 agreements and memorandums of understanding, and the launch of a number of pioneering and financing initiatives. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Biban 2023 - Saudi Arabia’s largest start-up, SME, and entrepreneurship conference – saw on Friday the signing of more than 25 agreements between the government and private agencies.

The forum, which kicked off on Thursday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, is organized by Monsha’at - the Saudi General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, and attended by 350 speakers representing entrepreneurs, investors and experts from around the world, more than 120 public and private entities, and 750 exhibitors.

The forum witnessed the signing of more than 25 agreements and memorandums of understanding, and the launch of a number of pioneering and financing initiatives, with a financial value of more than 11 billion riyals ($2.9 billion).

A cooperative agreement was signed between Monsha’at and SABB Bank, in the presence of the Deputy Governor of the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises for Planning and Development, Suleiman Al-Tarif, and the head of Business Banking and SMEs at SABB, Munif Al-Otaibi.

Monsha'at also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia, to work together to equip Saudi SMEs with the tools to grow and succeed in the e-commerce space. The agreement will promote joint cooperation and pioneer leading-edge solutions designed to empower SMEs reliant on communication technology.

On the other hand, Monsha’at signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Energy, with the aim of enabling gas stations to expand their brands through the Commercial Franchise Center.

The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises concluded a number of MoUs with government agencies and major projects, including the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Tourism Development Fund, the Saudi Export Development Authority and the Red Sea International Company, with the aim of empowering and supporting entrepreneurs, establishments and startups.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.