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Saudi EXIM Targets Alternative Economy

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (EXIM) develops the alternative economy through supporting emerging sectors. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Export-Import Bank (EXIM) develops the alternative economy through supporting emerging sectors. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi EXIM Targets Alternative Economy

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (EXIM) develops the alternative economy through supporting emerging sectors. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Export-Import Bank (EXIM) develops the alternative economy through supporting emerging sectors. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Export-Import Bank (EXIM) will continue to develop the alternative economy as a target to support the strengthening of the Kingdom's commercial position globally, announced CEO Saad Alkhalb.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Alkhalb expected more investment opportunities in the emerging sectors, which will impact the alternative economy and enhance the Kingdom's commercial position.

EXIM continues to hold workshops with various Saudi chambers to introduce the bank's products and services and the credit and financing solutions it provides in cooperation with its local and foreign strategic partners.

Alkhalb pointed out that the open meetings with employees of the Saudi Chambers, and businessmen and women in the regions, increased awareness of the bank's role in supporting the export of Saudi products.

It also attracted large numbers of local exporters who want to benefit from these services, given that small and medium-sized enterprises account for over half of the approved financing applications.

EXIM signed nearly $118 million in deals with three banks and signed an insurance policy with the Saudi British Bank worth $63.5 million to enhance documentary credits.

EXIM Bank also signed a credit lines agreement with Jordan's Capital Bank and the National Bank of Iraq to support importers of Saudi goods, services, and products in the Jordanian and Iraqi markets.

Alkhalb said the agreements provide a real opportunity to enable Saudi exporters and entrepreneurs to export their national products, services, and unique technologies to global markets.

In October, EXIM Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Japanese Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) to provide more financial solutions that support trade between exporters and importers in Saudi Arabia and Japan and enable them to export and import goods easily with fewer risks.

The MoU stipulates supporting joint finance projects, developing all financial transactions, providing buyer credit finance, and discussing opportunities to secure financial guarantees or letters for beneficiaries with credit competency from Saudi exporters or Japanese buyers.

It also promotes innovative solutions that can increase chances to finance purchases and implement projects related to Saudi and Japanese exports.

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Saudi Arabia's Non-Oil Exports Hit Historic High of SAR515 Billion in 2024

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia's Non-Oil Exports Hit Historic High of SAR515 Billion in 2024

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports reached an unprecedented SAR515 billion in 2024, marking the highest value in the Kingdom's history. This achievement represents a significant 13% increase compared to the previous year and an impressive growth of over 113% since the launch of Vision 2030.

The robust growth spanned all export sectors. Merchandise exports climbed to SAR217 billion (+4%), fueled by respective increases of 2% and 9% in petrochemical and non-petrochemical exports, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

Re-exports surged to SAR90 billion, demonstrating a remarkable 205% growth since the inception of Vision 2030. Services exports also reached an all-time high of SAR207 billion, exhibiting a 14% year-on-year increase and a substantial 220% rise since Vision 2030's announcement.

Saudi Export Development Authority CEO Abdulrahman Althukair attributed this historic non-oil export performance to the Kingdom's sustained efforts in economic diversification and enhancing the competitiveness of national products.

He highlighted the authority's commitment to facilitating national companies' access to new markets and bolstering their export capabilities through comprehensive programs encompassing training, empowerment, promotion, and advisory services. This aligns with Vision 2030's goals to establish a thriving economy where non-oil exports are a key driver of sustainable growth.

In 2024, petrochemical commodity exports amounted to SAR149 billion, constituting 68% of total commodity exports, and registered a 2% increase in value and weight compared to the previous year.

Non-petrochemical commodity exports achieved a remarkable SAR69 billion (32% of total commodity exports), the highest value in recent years. This included record export figures for over 205 Saudi products, such as food and dairy products, minerals, and building materials. Fertilizer exports also demonstrated exceptional growth, with product weight reaching a historic peak in 2024, increasing by 5% year-on-year, and more than fivefold in value since the launch of Vision 2030.

The Kingdom's re-export sector also delivered a historic performance in 2024, reaching SAR90 billion, a 205% increase compared to 2016, a 42% rise year-on-year, and a 114% increase compared to 2019. This was primarily driven by the re-export of mobile phones, which reached a record value of SAR25 billion, more than doubling their 2023 value. The operation of the integrated logistics zone at King Khalid International Airport played a significant role in this remarkable growth by enhancing supply chain efficiency and facilitating re-export operations.

Machinery, automated devices, transportation equipment, and parts thereof constituted 84% of total re-exports in 2024. Re-exports of aircraft parts also experienced substantial growth, increasing from SAR1.6 billion in 2022 to over SAR2 billion in 2024.

In 2024, the Kingdom exported goods, re-exports, and services to over 180 countries, with 37 countries registering record import values, including the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Algeria, Spain, France, Poland, Libya, and Syria. Other countries, such as Indonesia, Thailand, Morocco, Pakistan, Nigeria, Germany, Greece, and Bulgaria, also achieved record import volumes.

Services exports reached a record SAR207 billion in 2024, marking a 14% year-on-year increase and a 220% rise since 2016. The travel and tourism sector was a key driver, increasing by 270% since 2016. In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed approximately 30 million international tourists, contributing to a 150% increase in travel exports compared to 2019, representing 74% of total service exports.

The Kingdom also recorded a 69% increase in international tourist numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels and a 148% increase in tourism revenues compared to 2019. Saudi Arabia led the G20 in tourist number growth, with a 73% growth rate during the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019. The transportation sector contributed 12% of total service exports, achieving a 5% year-on-year growth.