IMF Chief Says Global Inflation to Fall, Trade Integration is Needed

International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva gestures as she speaks during the final day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 23, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva gestures as she speaks during the final day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 23, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
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IMF Chief Says Global Inflation to Fall, Trade Integration is Needed

International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva gestures as she speaks during the final day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 23, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)
International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva gestures as she speaks during the final day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 23, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

Global inflation is expected to fall to 3.8% this year and to 3.4% in 2027, helped by softer demand and lower energy prices, the IMF chief ‌said on ‌Monday.

Managing Director ‌Kristalina ⁠Georgieva said ‌in a speech in the Annual Arab Fiscal Forum in Dubai that global growth has held up 'remarkably well' amid profound shifts ⁠in geopolitics, trade policy, technology, ‌and demographics.

Georgieva also ‍called for ‍more trade integration as unilateral ‍trade agreements are seen on the increase, Reuters said.

"In the world of trade fragmentation, more trade integration is absolutely paramount."

"What we have ⁠seen this year is that trade did not go down the way we feared it would. In fact trade is growing slightly slower than global growth," she added.



Saudi Arabia Funds $40 Million Industrial City Project in Oman

Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Oman. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Oman. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Funds $40 Million Industrial City Project in Oman

Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Oman. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Oman. (SPA)

Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and Oman’s Minister of Finance Sultan Al Habsi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the establishment of an industrial city in Oman, funded by the Kingdom through the SFD with $40 million.

The MoU aims to develop the industrial and logistical sectors in the Dhofar governorate through a fully integrated industrial city covering approximately 3.94 million square meters, equipped with comprehensive infrastructure.

This includes administrative and service buildings, public facilities, road networks, electricity and water systems, two wastewater treatment plants, and engineering consultancy services.

Al-Marshad said the MoU reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Oman’s development sectors and strengthening bilateral development cooperation.


Jeddah Chamber of Commerce to Organize Consmix 2026

A view of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A view of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Jeddah Chamber of Commerce to Organize Consmix 2026

A view of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A view of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce will host the National and Consumer Industries Exhibition (Consmix 2026) from February 5 to 12, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in the national consumer goods industry.

The exhibition aims to promote national industry, encourage local consumption, highlight Saudi industrial capabilities, and showcase the quality of local products.

It provides companies and factories with a platform to connect with customers and establish strategic partnerships between Saudi and international firms.

Consmix 2026 will showcase a wide range of consumer products, including food, household goods, metalware, cleaning supplies, gifts and accessories, clothing, furniture, textiles, perfumes, hygiene products, and plastics.


Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum to Be Held in Riyadh on Tuesday

General view of Riyadh city during the early hour of evening at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2025. (Reuters)
General view of Riyadh city during the early hour of evening at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2025. (Reuters)
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Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum to Be Held in Riyadh on Tuesday

General view of Riyadh city during the early hour of evening at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2025. (Reuters)
General view of Riyadh city during the early hour of evening at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 28, 2025. (Reuters)

The Saudi-Turkish Investment Forum will convene in Riyadh on Tuesday, bringing together dignitaries, officials, and leaders from the private sectors and companies of both countries.

The forum aims to strengthen economic and investment cooperation across various sectors, discuss areas of mutual interest, and explore investment opportunities within the Kingdom.

It will host bilateral meetings between private-sector representatives from both countries to discuss cooperation and partnership opportunities and explore investment prospects.