Latest news with #Oxford Business Group
Al Bawaba
2 hours ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Kuwait's Ministry of Finance charts course for fiscal innovation and sustainable growth
The Ministry of Finance's efforts to advance fiscal resilience, financial sector development and investor engagement under Kuwait Vision 2035 were the focus of a recent high-level meeting between Noora Al Fassam, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, and senior representatives from Oxford Business Group (OBG), including Andrew Jeffreys, the Group's Chief Executive Officer, and Cristina Mirica, Country Director for Kuwait. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the Ministry's evolving mandate, with particular attention given to the implementation of the new Public Debt Law. The legislation establishes a KD 30 billion ceiling on sovereign borrowing across local and international markets, enhancing the capacity of the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Investment Authority to manage debt sustainably. Discussions also highlighted the Ministry's progress in modernising Kuwait's mortgage framework to stimulate private sector lending and expand access to housing finance. Broader reforms in public financial management and fiscal governance were addressed as part of the Ministry's commitment to building a resilient and transparent economic environment. The Minister also underlined the importance of clear communication with stakeholders as reforms progress. 'By implementing robust public debt legislation and modernising the mortgage regime, we are taking decisive steps to strengthen fiscal resilience and support sustainable growth,' she said. 'It is essential that we convey these developments transparently to global investors and partners.' Andrew Jeffreys, CEO of Oxford Business Group, welcomed the dialogue and the opportunity to support the Ministry's objectives. 'Our discussion with Her Excellency and her team provided valuable insight into Kuwait's fiscal reform agenda,' he said. 'We look forward to exploring ways to help articulate the Ministry's progress and vision to the international business community.' The engagement forms part of OBG's research for The Report: Kuwait 2025, which will include in-depth analysis of Kuwait's economic trajectory, covering fiscal governance, debt management frameworks, financial sector innovation and public-private partnerships.
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's transport sector advances sustainable trade, connectivity goals
Muscat – Oman's transport and logistics sector is playing a central role in the country's economic transformation under Vision 2040, supported by large-scale investment, policy development and digital integration. A new Growth Perspectives video produced by global research and advisory firm Oxford Business Group (OBG), in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), examines how infrastructure upgrades and sustainability initiatives are reinforcing Oman's role as a strategic trade and logistics hub. The video, titled Oman's transport sector seeks to drive sustainable trade, highlights the sector's contribution of 7% to GDP in 2023, with aims to surpass 10% by 2040. Backed by RO2.5bn in targeted investment from 2021 to 2025, Oman is enhancing efficiency, boosting non-oil exports and improving multimodal connectivity. Particular focus is placed on the role of the country's deepwater ports – Sohar, Duqm and Salalah – which are positioned to support industrial development, energy production and international trans-shipment. These ports, together with improved road and airport access, are enabling Oman to expand its logistics footprint regionally and globally. The video also outlines the country's efforts to advance green and digital logistics solutions in support of its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. New initiatives include incentives for electric vehicles, adoption of blockchain and e-seal technologies, and the development of green trade corridors. The Oman Logistics Centre, a directorate under MTCIT, is leading the National Logistics Strategy and overseeing the sector's digital transformation. Key projects include Customs streamlining, last-mile delivery improvements and measures to increase transparency and efficiency across the logistics value chain. H E Eng Said bin Hamoud al Ma'awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said Oman's investment in infrastructure and innovation is enabling the country to strengthen its position as a regional gateway for trade. 'The transport and logistics sector is a vital enabler of Oman Vision 2040. Through integrated planning, policy development and advanced infrastructure, we are supporting economic growth while aligning with the country's broader sustainability objectives.' Dana Carmen Agarbicean, OBG's Country Director for Oman, said the sector's performance reflects Oman's ability to align long-term strategic goals with implementation. 'Oman's logistics sector is making significant strides in infrastructure development, trade facilitation and digitalisation. These efforts are establishing a foundation for sustainable growth and enhancing the country's competitiveness as a trade and investment destination.' © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Al Bawaba
15-07-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Kuwait eyes deeper financial sector engagement to support Vision 2035
The role of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) in supporting sustainable economic growth, financial innovation and private sector development in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 was among the central topics of discussion during a recent strategic meeting between Khaled AlShamlan, Group Chief Executive Officer of KFH, and a senior delegation from Oxford Business Group (OBG), led by Andrew Jeffreys, the Group's Chief Executive Officer, and Cristina Mirica, Country Director for meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange insights on Kuwait's evolving financial landscape, with a particular focus on supporting national development priorities through knowledge sharing, responsible financial practices and enhanced stakeholder also explored the possibility of future collaboration in areas such as thought leadership, joint events, and market intelligence. In addition, the parties highlighted the importance of ESG principles, digitalisation and strong corporate governance in shaping a resilient and inclusive financial AlShamlan shared his thoughts with OBG that the meeting was aligned with KFH's broader commitment to enabling economic progress in Kuwait and strengthening engagement with strategic knowledge partners.'KFH remains committed to advancing sustainable growth and aligning with national priorities under Vision 2035. Our discussion with Oxford Business Group reflects our interest in working with knowledge partners to support financial innovation, enhance market transparency and drive private sector development in Kuwait and beyond,' he Jeffreys, CEO of Oxford Business Group, said the meeting offered a valuable opportunity to exchange views on regional investment dynamics and future collaboration.'We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Mr. AlShamlan and his team at a time when Kuwait's financial sector is undergoing rapid transformation. KFH's leadership in ethical banking and innovation aligns well with the themes we are exploring in our research. We look forward to deepening our engagement with key stakeholders in the sector,' he noted. The meeting forms part of OBG's ongoing research for The Report: Kuwait 2025, which will analyse key trends and investment opportunities across the country's economy and will be in both printed and digital formats. The publication will feature insights from leading public and private sector figures, alongside data and analysis covering financial services, energy, infrastructure, and other priority areas.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait eyes deeper financial sector engagement to support Vision 2035
AlShamlan: KFH remains committed to advancing sustainable growth and aligning with national priorities under Vision 2035 The role of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) in supporting sustainable economic growth, financial innovation and private sector development in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 was among the central topics of discussion during a recent strategic meeting between Khaled AlShamlan, Group Chief Executive Officer of KFH, and a senior delegation from Oxford Business Group (OBG), led by Andrew Jeffreys, the Group's Chief Executive Officer, and Cristina Mirica, Country Director for Kuwait. The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange insights on Kuwait's evolving financial landscape, with a particular focus on supporting national development priorities through knowledge sharing, responsible financial practices and enhanced stakeholder engagement. Discussions also explored the possibility of future collaboration in areas such as thought leadership, joint events, and market intelligence. In addition, the parties highlighted the importance of ESG principles, digitalisation and strong corporate governance in shaping a resilient and inclusive financial ecosystem. Khaled AlShamlan shared his thoughts with OBG that the meeting was aligned with KFH's broader commitment to enabling economic progress in Kuwait and strengthening engagement with strategic knowledge partners. 'KFH remains committed to advancing sustainable growth and aligning with national priorities under Vision 2035. Our discussion with Oxford Business Group reflects our interest in working with knowledge partners to support financial innovation, enhance market transparency and drive private sector development in Kuwait and beyond,' he said. Andrew Jeffreys, CEO of Oxford Business Group, said the meeting offered a valuable opportunity to exchange views on regional investment dynamics and future collaboration. 'We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet with Mr. AlShamlan and his team at a time when Kuwait's financial sector is undergoing rapid transformation. KFH's leadership in ethical banking and innovation aligns well with the themes we are exploring in our research. We look forward to deepening our engagement with key stakeholders in the sector,' he noted. The meeting forms part of OBG's ongoing research for The Report: Kuwait 2025, which will analyse key trends and investment opportunities across the country's economy and will be in both printed and digital formats. The publication will feature insights from leading public and private sector figures, alongside data and analysis covering financial services, energy, infrastructure, and other priority areas. About Oxford Business Group Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global research and advisory company with a presence in over 30 countries, spanning Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. It is recognised internationally as a distinctive and respected provider of on-the-ground intelligence on the world's fastest-growing markets, termed The Yellow Slice, in reference to OBG's corporate colour. Through its range of products – Economic News and Views; OBG CEO Surveys; OBG Events and Conferences; Global Platform, which hosts exclusive video interviews; and The Report publications – as well as its Advisory division, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sector-level developments for sound investment opportunities and business decisions. OBG provides business intelligence to its subscribers through multiple platforms, including its own verified subscribers and the ones of Dow Jones Factiva, Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv's Eikon (previously Thomson Reuters), Factset and more.
