Saudi Arabia was the top global export destination for Dubai Chamber of Commerce members in the first half of 2023, with exports valued at $9.53 billion, according to official data. Qatar also saw significant year-over-year growth of 39.3 percent in the same period. Southern Africa and Central Asia were highlighted as the fastest-growing regions for exports by members.
The Saudi government's efforts to diversify the economy away from oil and promote private sector growth are showing progress across four dimensions: exports, output, government revenue, and employment, although oil remains a dominant force in the economy.
Saudi Arabia's Jadwa Investment has acquired a 35% stake in Kuwaiti fragrance company Gissah Perfumes through its private equity arm, Jadwa Retail Opportunities Fund. The acquisition aims to support Gissah's growth and prepare the company for a potential listing on the Saudi Stock Exchange. The timeline for the listing and the value of the investment have not been disclosed.
Inflation rates in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remain lower than global averages, with declining food costs, energy prices, and dampened global demand contributing to the trend. However, inflation in the housing sector has been felt mainly in the GCC countries, with notable year-on-year growth in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. In contrast, communication and education sectors have experienced declining inflation rates in most GCC countries.
The Tadawul All Share Index in Saudi Arabia experienced a slight decline, while the parallel market Nomu saw gains in closing for the day. The MSCI Tadawul Index also slightly dropped. The best-performing stock on the main index was Salama Cooperative Insurance Co., while the worst performer was AL Maather REIT Fund. On the parallel market, Mayar Holding Co. experienced significant growth.
India is expected to ban sugar exports for the upcoming season due to a lack of rain that has reduced cane yields. This would be the first time in seven years that the country has halted sugar exports. The absence of India from the global market could increase benchmark prices and trigger concerns about further inflation in global food markets.
Africa is predicted to lead the next phase of global economic growth, with an increasing focus on economic collaboration among BRICS member countries. Intra-BRICS trade has expanded over the past decade, and Africa is seen as the next wave of global growth due to its younger generation, mineral reserves, and other resources.
India's G20 presidency has shaped its global future and brought the country to the forefront of the international stage, with discussions at the NDTV G20 Conclave focusing on energy transition, clean growth, digital economy, and India's rising global influence.
Saudi Arabia's robust diversification efforts, driven by Vision 2030 strategies, have resulted in a surge of business activities and economic growth, despite worldwide economic uncertainty and concerns over inflation and geopolitical tensions. The country's economic diversification journey has led to the opening of new sectors and advancements in fields such as tourism, media, finance, and clean energy, making it a regional economic and technology hub. Saudi Arabia's continued focus on sectors like mining, metals, hospitality, tourism, and clean energy, along with fiscal consolidation efforts and revenue-enhancing measures, are key to sustaining its economic diversification model.
Main Topic: Saudi Arabia's robust economic diversification efforts driven by Vision 2030 strategies.
Key Points:
1. Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts have led to a surge in business activities despite global economic uncertainty.
2. The country has made significant improvements in its Economic Diversification Index scores and has opened new sectors in tourism, media, hospitality, finance, and the digital sphere.
3. Investment in digital transformation and the clean energy sector are expected to contribute to sustained economic growth and make Saudi Arabia a regional economic and technology hub.
The G20, which is meeting in New Delhi, India, has seen a major shift in power dynamics over the past two decades, with the BRICS bloc now having a slightly higher combined GDP than the US, and EU countries accounting for around 20% of the G20's economic output.
President Biden aims to use the G20 summit as an opportunity to strengthen the U.S.'s position as the leader of the global system, boost funding for the World Bank, and counterbalance China's Belt and Road Initiative; meanwhile, a potential strike looms for General Motors and Ford, and the Federal Reserve plans to maintain interest rates while addressing inflation concerns.
The Group of 20 (G20) is an international organization that aims to unite world leaders around shared economic, political, and health challenges, with its members representing more than 80 percent of the world's economic output. The annual G20 summit brings together finance ministers and heads of state to discuss and address key issues, often culminating in a joint statement of collective action.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged world leaders at the G20 Summit to overcome the "trust deficit" caused by war and emphasized the importance of finding new solutions to global challenges during his opening address. Additionally, he announced that the African Union has been granted permanent membership in the G20.
The African Union's membership in the G20 will provide an opportunity for the continent to make a significant contribution to addressing global challenges, according to AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The G20 in India will be remembered for its historic achievements, including bringing the African Union to the table and creating a global bio-fuel alliance, according to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a major transformation through its Vision 2030 plan, led by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, aiming to diversify its economy and secure its place on the global stage; despite controversies and challenges, the country's economy is booming, heavily reliant on oil, and is making significant investments at home and abroad.
The G20 summit in New Delhi highlighted the shift in power dynamics, as Western leaders signed a joint statement on Ukraine with Russia, recognizing the need for realpolitik and the importance of India's role in the emerging multipolar world. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 and calls to increase World Bank lending to developing countries further reflect this changing landscape.
Saudi Arabia is actively seeking to exchange experience with nations worldwide to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and ensure sustainable development, with a focus on economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
The G20 summit in New Delhi saw the admission of the African Union, the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and an absence of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, signaling shifts in the international order and a move towards more inclusive organizations; however, Pakistan must address its internal issues to participate in these global trade networks and have its voice heard on issues like Kashmir.
The United States is in regular contact with Saudi Arabia to ensure a stable and affordable supply of energy to global markets, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. This comes as cuts in oil output by Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected to result in a significant market deficit.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's attendance at the recent G20 summit in India, along with its inclusion in the China-dominated BRICS coalition and signing of the ship-to-rail economic corridor supported by President Joe Biden, highlights the complex web of alliances and economic opportunities arising from the rivalry between the US and China. These developments show the various economies caught between the two powers seeking to build their own strategic alliances and spheres of influence.
Saudi Arabia's economy is experiencing growth in non-oil sectors, driven by strong domestic demand and increased investment, but sustaining this growth will require ongoing reforms and sound macroeconomic policies.
Saudi Arabia, a new member of the BRICS alliance, is expected to face a $21 billion budget deficit next year despite growth in its non-oil sector, though its GDP growth is still projected to exceed 4%.
