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 Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.