Latest news with #WorldExpo2030
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
M'sia nears RM13bil target at expo
Flipping success: Tengku Zafrul is all smiles as a 'roti canai terbang' demonstration proves why this classic dish is a hit at the Malaysia Pavilion in Osaka. Zafrul: Green tech, halal, and digital economy attract investors OSAKA: Malaysia is close to meeting its potential investment target of RM13bil at the World Expo 2025, while the number of visitors to the Malaysia Pavilion has surpassed the 1.5 million set earlier, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said that Malaysia is currently slightly below its potential investment target, with the total amount at RM11.2bil. He expressed confidence that with still three months to go before the expo ends, the RM13bil target is achievable. 'Hopefully we can meet the target. It's not too far away,' he said. Among the sectors that caught investors' interest were green technology, the halal industry, renewable energy, the bioeconomy, and the digital economy. A total of 34 memoranda of understanding have been signed so far. He said the number of visitors has already reached 2.2 million. Tengku Zafrul said one of the crowd pullers to the Malaysia Pavilion is the roti canai, a staple in Malaysia, where about 1,500 pieces are easily sold daily. 'We also showcase our traditional performances outdoors. This also draws visitors to our pavilion,' he told reporters after visiting the Malaysian Pavilion at the World Expo here. Osaka hosts the World Expo 2025 from April to October. Tengku Zafrul said that Malaysian companies are already scouting opportunities for the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He revealed that 25 Malaysian companies are offering their capabilities not only in construction but also in other services for the World Expo 2030. 'I had a meeting at the pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where they presented their plans for the World Expo for 2030 in Riyadh. 'We also sought to understand the progress regarding the potential participation of Malaysian companies. 'They said they are open to supporting (Malaysian companies) in building the World Expo,' he said. Whether Malaysia will participate in World Expo 2030, Tengku Zafrul said the matter will be left to the Cabinet to decide. He said an official invitation to join the Expo will be sent in due course. 'When we receive the official invitation, we will consider the whole concept. 'The next step will be to make a presentation to the Cabinet and then make a decision,' he said. The World Expo is a large- scale international exhibition held every five years that serves as a platform for nations to showcase their latest innovations, technologies and cultural achievements.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysian companies eye World Expo 2030 opportunities in Riyadh
OSAKA: Some 25 Malaysian companies are eyeing opportunities to participate in the next World Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in five years' time, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said the companies are offering capabilities not only in construction but also in other services for World Expo 2030. 'I had a meeting at the pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where they presented their plans for the World Expo for 2030 in Riyadh,' he said. 'We also wanted to know the progress on whether any Malaysian companies are able to participate,' said Tengku Zafrul. 'They said they are open to supporting Malaysian companies in building the World Expo,' he said after visiting the Malaysia Pavilion at the World Expo here. On whether Malaysia will participate in World Expo 2030, Tengku Zafrul said the matter would be left to the Cabinet to decide. He said an official invitation to join the Expo will be sent in due course. 'When we receive the official invitation, we will consider the whole concept,' he said. 'The next step will be to present to the Cabinet and then to make a decision,' he added.
Gulf Business
22-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Expo 2030 Riyadh secures final BIE approval as host nation
Saudi Arabia's capital has officially been confirmed as the host of The approval marks the last formal step in the selection process, solidifying Riyadh's status as the next World Expo host. As part of the proceedings, the World Expo flag was ceremonially handed over to the kingdom's delegation by the BIE. The Saudi delegation was led by Engineer Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Minister of State and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), alongside Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to France, and senior officials. 'The approval of the registration dossier in record time highlights the kingdom's leadership on the global stage and underscores the world's confidence in Saudi Arabia's vision and capabilities,' Al-Sultan said, adding that it also reflects 'the high level of professionalism' shown by the teams involved in its preparation. Master plan for Expo 2030 Riyadh The registration dossier acts as a master plan for the expo, outlining Saudi Arabia's commitment to delivering a global platform for innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable development. Riyadh is the first The approval now paves the way for the next phase of preparations, including the formal invitation of international participants through diplomatic channels. Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, on a sprawling six million- square-metre site, designed to accommodate over 40 million visits. Organisers anticipate participation from more than 195 nations, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, hospitality, and transportation. The site is being developed to deliver an immersive and seamless visitor experience, in line with the broader ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030. Billed as one of the largest and most ambitious expos to date, Expo 2030 Riyadh aims to foster global dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange, while leaving a lasting legacy that resonates far beyond the kingdom's borders.
Saudi Gazette
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia and India agree to expand Strategic Partnership Council and enhance coordination within global forums
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia and India welcomed the expansion of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council to include four ministerial committees, featuring a ministerial committee for defense cooperation and another for tourism and culture. Recognizing the importance of joint action on global issues, they also agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within international organizations and forums such as the G20, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. This commitment aims to bolster efforts in addressing global economic challenges. This was stated in a joint statement released at the conclusion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22. During the visit, a number of memoranda of understanding (MoU) were signed between the two countries. These include a MoU between the Indian Department of Space and the Saudi Space Agency in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes, another MoU between the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Saudi Ministry of Health on cooperation in the field of health, bilateral agreement between the Indian Department of Posts and the Saudi Post for inward foreign surface parcel, and MoU between the Indian National Anti-Doping Agency and Saudi Arabia Anti-Doping Committee for cooperation in the field of anti-doping and prevention. The MoU for cooperation in the field of space aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as satellite capacity development, the advancement of space sciences and exploration, and the practical application of space technologies to serve various sectors. It also seeks to stimulate research and development, entrepreneurship, and academic engagement in the space technology sector Prime Minister Modi's visit was in response to an invitation from Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince received Modi at Al-Salam Palace, Jeddah. They held official talks, during which they recalled the strong bonds of historically close friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Both countries enjoy a strong relationship and close people-to-people ties marked by trust and goodwill. The two sides noted that the solid foundation of the bilateral relationship between the two nations has further strengthened through the strategic partnership covering diverse areas, including defense, security, energy, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, culture, health, education, and people-to-people ties. Both sides also exchanged views on current regional and international issues of mutual interest. Modi congratulated the Crown Prince for Saudi Arabia's successful bids for World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. The two leaders held constructive discussions on ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. The two leaders also co-chaired the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council. The two sides reviewed the progress of the strategic partnership council since their last meeting in September 2023. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of the work of the two Ministerial Committees, such as the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation and their subcommittees, and the Committee on Economy and Investment and their joint working groups, in diverse fields. The council welcomed the expansion of the strategic partnership council to four ministerial committees reflecting the deepening of the strategic partnership, by addition of the Ministerial Committees on Defense Cooperation, and Tourism and Cultural Cooperation. The two leaders noted with appreciation the large number of high-level visits across various ministries that have built trust and mutual understanding on both sides. At the end of the meeting, the two leaders signed the minutes of the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council. The Indian side expressed its appreciation to the Saudi side for the continuing welfare of around 2.7 million Indian nationals residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the strong people-to-people bonds and immense goodwill that exists between the two nations. The Indian side also congratulated Saudi Arabia for successfully holding the Hajj in 2024 and expressed its appreciation for the excellent coordination between the two countries in facilitating the Hajj and Umrah experience for Indian pilgrims. Both sides welcomed the growth of the economic relationship, trade, and investment ties between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in recent years. The Indian side congratulated the Saudi side for the progress achieved on the goals under Vision 2030. The Saudi side expressed appreciation for India's sustained economic growth and the goal of Viksit Bharat or becoming a developed country by 2047. Both sides agreed to work together in areas of mutual interests to fulfill respective national goals and achieve shared prosperity. Both Leaders noted with satisfaction the progress made in the discussions under the High-Level Task Force, constituted in 2024 for promoting investment flows between the two countries. Building on the endeavor of Saudi Arabia to invest in India in multiple areas, including energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and health, it was noted that the High-Level Task Force came to an understanding in multiple areas which will rapidly promote such investment flows. They noted the agreement in the High-Level Task Force to collaborate on establishing two refineries. The progress made by this Task Force in areas such as taxation was also a major breakthrough for greater cooperation in the future. The two sides affirmed their desire to complete negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty at the earliest. The Indian side appreciated the launch of India Desk at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to act as the nodal point for investment facilitation by PIF. They observed that the work of the High-Level Task Force underscores the growing economic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, focusing on mutual economic growth and collaborative investments. The two sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening their direct and indirect investment partnership. They commended the outcomes of the Saudi-India Investment Forum, held in New Delhi in September 2023, and the active cooperation it achieved between the public and private sectors from both countries. They also commended the expansion of investment activities by Indian companies in the Kingdom, and appreciated the role of the private sector in enhancing mutual investments. The two sides valued the activation of the Framework of Cooperation on Enhancing Bilateral Investment between Invest India and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. Both sides agreed to facilitate enhanced bilateral cooperation in the startup ecosystem, contributing to mutual growth and innovation. In the field of Energy, the Indian side agreed to work with the Kingdom to enhance the stability of global oil markets and to balance global energy market dynamics. They emphasized the need to ensure security of supply for all energy sources in global markets. They agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in several areas in the energy sector, including the supply of crude oil and its derivatives including LPG, collaboration in India's Strategic Reserve Program, joint projects across the refining and petrochemical sector, including manufacturing and specialized industries, innovative uses of hydrocarbons, electricity, and renewable energy, including completing the detailed joint study for electrical interconnection between the two countries, exchanging expertise in the fields of grid automation, grid connectivity, electrical grid security and resilience, and renewable energy projects and energy storage technologies, and enhancing the participation of companies from both sides in implementing their projects. The two sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of green/clean hydrogen, including stimulating demand, developing hydrogen transport and storage technologies, and exchanging expertise and experiences to implement best practices. With regard to climate change, both sides reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and the need to develop and implement climate agreements with a focus on emissions rather than sources. The Indian side commended the Kingdom's launch of the "Saudi Green Initiative" and the "Middle East Green Initiative' and expressed its support for the Kingdom's efforts in the field of climate change. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral trade in recent years, with India being the second largest trading partner for Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia being India's fifth largest trading partner in 2023-2024. Both sides agreed to further enhance co-operation to diversify their bilateral trade. In this regard, both sides agreed on the importance of increasing visits of business and trade delegations, and holding trade and investment events. Both sides reiterated their desire to commence negotiations on the India-GCC FTA. The two sides appreciated the deepening of the defense ties as a key pillar of the strategic partnership, and welcomed the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defense Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council. They noted with satisfaction the growth of their joint defense cooperation, including numerous 'firsts' like the first ever Land Forces exercise SADA TANSEEQ, two rounds of the Naval Exercises AL MOHED AL HINDI, many high-level visits, and training exchanges, towards ensuring the security and stability of the region. They welcomed the outcomes of the 6th meeting of the Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation held in Riyadh in September 2024, noting the initiation of staff-level talks between all three services. Both sides also agreed to enhance defense industry collaboration. Noting the continuing cooperation achieved in security fields, both sides highlighted the importance of this cooperation for better security and stability. They also emphasized the importance of furthering cooperation between both sides in the areas of cybersecurity, maritime border security, combating transnational crime, narcotics and drug trafficking. Both sides strongly condemned the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians. The two sides condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms and manifestations, and emphasized that this remains one of the gravest threats to humanity. They agreed that there cannot be any justification for any act of terror for any reason. They rejected any attempt to link terrorism to any particular race, religion or culture. The two countries welcomed the excellent cooperation between the two sides in counter-terrorism and terror financing. They condemned cross-border terrorism, and called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructure where it exists, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly. Both sides stressed the need to prevent access to weapons, including missiles and drones, to commit terrorist acts against other countries. The two sides noted the ongoing cooperation in field of health and efforts to combat current and future health risks and health challenges. In this context, they welcomed the signing of an MoU on cooperation in the field of health between the two countries. The Indian side congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for successfully hosting the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance in Jeddah in November 2024, and welcomed the initiatives taken by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to address issues related to reference pricing and fast track registration of Indian drugs in Saudi Arabia. Both sides underscored the importance of co-operation in technology, including in new and emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and semiconductors. Highlighting the importance of digital governance, both sides agreed to explore collaboration in this area. Both sides noted that the MoU on space cooperation signed during this visit will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in the field of space, including the utilization of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and ground systems, applications of space technology, research and development, academic engagement, and entrepreneurship. Both sides noted the growth of cultural cooperation between the two countries through active engagement in key sectors such as heritage, film, literature, and performing and visual arts. The creation of a Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation marks a significant step toward deepening this partnership. Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in tourism, including through capacity building and sustainable tourism. They also noted the expansion of various opportunities in media, entertainment, and sports, supported by the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. The two sides commended the growing momentum in educational and scientific collaboration between the two countries, underscoring its strategic importance in fostering innovation, capacity building, and sustainable development. The Saudi side welcomed the opportunities for leading Indian universities to have presence in Saudi Arabia. The two sides also stressed the value of expanding cooperation in labor and human resources and identifying opportunities for collaboration. Both sides recalled the signing of the MoU on the principles of an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor along with other countries in September 2023 during the state visit of the Crown Prince to India and expressed mutual commitment to work together to realize the vision of connectivity as envisaged in the corridor, including the development of infrastructure that includes railways and port linkages to increase the passage of goods and services, and boost trade among stakeholders, and enhance data connectivity and electrical grid interconnectivity. In this regard, both sides welcomed the progress under the MoU on electrical interconnections, clean/green hydrogen, and supply chains signed in October 2023. Both sides also expressed satisfaction with the increase in shipping lines between the two countries. The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in international organizations and forums, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, to bolster efforts to address the challenges facing the global economy. They commended the existing cooperation between them within the Common Framework for Debt Treatment Beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), which was endorsed by the G20 leaders at the Riyadh Summit 2020. The two sides affirmed their full support for the international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen. Both sides agreed to hold the next Strategic Partnership Council meeting at a mutually convenient time. Recognizing their ongoing economic and social progress, they also committed to continued communication, coordination, and cooperation across various sectors.
Asharq Al-Awsat
23-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia, India Expand Strategic Partnership Council, Pledge Closer Int'l Coordination
Saudi Arabia and India welcomed on Wednesday the expansion of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council to include four ministerial committees, featuring a ministerial committee for defense cooperation and another for tourism and culture. Recognizing the importance of joint action on global issues, they also agreed to deepen cooperation and coordination within international organizations and forums such as the G20, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank. This commitment aims to bolster efforts in addressing global economic challenges, said Saudi Arabia and India in a joint statement at the conclusion of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the Kingdom. Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday where he held talks with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This was Modi's third visit to Saudi Arabia. It followed the historic state visit by the Crown Prince to India in September 2023 to participate in the G20 Summit and co-chair the first meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council. Crown Prince Mohammed and Modi held official talks that tackled the strong historic bonds between their countries and views on current regional and international issues of mutual interest. They noted that the solid foundation of the bilateral relationship between their countries 'has further strengthened through the strategic partnership covering diverse areas, including defense, security, energy, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, culture, health, education, and people-to-people ties.' Modi congratulated the Crown Prince on Saudi Arabia's successful bids to hold the World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Kingdom. (SPA) The two leaders held constructive discussions on ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. They co-chaired the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council. They reviewed the progress of the strategic partnership council since their last meeting in September 2023. The leaders expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes of the work of the two Ministerial Committees, namely: the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation and their subcommittees, and the Committee on Economy and Investment and their joint working groups, in diverse fields. They welcomed the expansion of the strategic partnership council to four ministerial committees reflecting the deepening of the strategic partnership, by addition of the Ministerial Committees on Defense Cooperation, and Tourism and Cultural Cooperation. The Indian delegation expressed its appreciation for Saudi Arabia for the continuing welfare of around 2.7 million Indian nationals residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the strong people-to-people bonds and immense goodwill that exists between their nations. It also congratulated Saudi Arabia for successfully holding the Hajj in 2024. Both sides welcomed the growth of the economic relationship, trade, and investment ties between India and Saudi Arabia in recent years. The Indian side congratulated Saudi Arabia on the progress achieved in goals under Vision 2030, while Saudi officials expressed appreciation for India's sustained economic growth and the goal of Viksit Bharat of becoming a developed country by 2047. Both sides agreed to work together in areas of mutual interests to fulfill respective national goals and achieve shared prosperity. India and Saudi Arabia stressed their commitment to strengthening their direct and indirect investment partnership. They commended the outcomes of the Saudi-India Investment Forum, held in New Delhi in September 2023, and the active cooperation it achieved between the public and private sectors from both countries. They commended the expansion of investment activities by Indian companies in the Kingdom, highlighting the role of the private sector in enhancing mutual investments. In the field of energy, India agreed to work with the Kingdom to boost the stability of global oil markets and to balance global energy market dynamics. Both sides emphasized the need to ensure security of supply for all energy sources in global markets. They agreed on the importance of bolstering cooperation in several areas in the energy sector, including the supply of crude oil and its derivatives including LPG, collaboration in India's Strategic Reserve Program, joint projects across the refining and petrochemical sector, including manufacturing and specialized industries, innovative uses of hydrocarbons, electricity, and renewable energy. This includes completing the detailed joint study for electrical interconnection between the two countries, exchanging expertise in the fields of grid automation, grid connectivity, electrical grid security and resilience, and renewable energy projects and energy storage technologies. Officials are seen at the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council meeting. (SPA) The two sides stressed the importance of cooperation in the field of green/clean hydrogen, including stimulating demand, developing hydrogen transport and storage technologies, and exchanging expertise and experiences to implement best practices. They acknowledged the need to work on developing supply chains and projects linked to the energy sector, enabling cooperation between companies, deepening cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and rationalizing energy consumption in the buildings, industry, and transportation sectors, and raising awareness of its importance. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral trade in recent years, with India being the second largest trading partner for Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia being India's fifth largest trading partner in 2023-2024. Both sides agreed to further deepen cooperation to diversify their bilateral trade. Moreover, they stressed the strengthening of defense ties as a key pillar of the strategic partnership, and welcomed the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defense Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council. They noted with satisfaction the growth of their joint defense cooperation, including numerous 'firsts', like the first ever Land Forces exercise SADA TANSEEQ, two rounds of the Naval Exercises AL MOHED AL HINDI, many high-level visits, and training exchanges, towards ensuring the security and stability of the region. They welcomed the outcomes of the 6th meeting of the Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation held in Riyadh in September 2024, noting the initiation of staff-level talks between all three services. Both sides agreed to boost defense industry collaboration. Noting the continuing cooperation achieved in security fields, both sides highlighted the importance of this cooperation for better security and stability. They also emphasized the importance of furthering cooperation between both sides in the areas of cybersecurity, maritime border security, combating transnational crime, narcotics and drug trafficking. Both sides strongly condemned the gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians. They condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms and emphasized that this remains one of the gravest threats to humanity. They agreed that there can be no justification for any act of terror for any reason. They rejected any attempt to link terrorism to any particular race, religion or culture. They also welcomed the excellent cooperation between the two sides in counter-terrorism and terror financing. The two sides stressed their full support for the international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen. India praised the Kingdom's many initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue between the Yemeni parties, and its role in providing and facilitating access of humanitarian aid to all regions of Yemen. The two sides agreed on the importance of cooperation to promote ways to ensure the security and safety of waterways and freedom of navigation in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Signed during the visit were an MoU between the Indian Department of Space and the Saudi Space Agency in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes, an MoU between the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Saudi Ministry of Health on cooperation in the field of health, bilateral agreement between the Indian Department of Posts and the Saudi Post for inward foreign surface parcel, and an MoU between the Indian National Anti-Doping Agency and Saudi Arabia Anti-Doping Committee for cooperation in the field of anti-doping and prevention. Both sides agreed to hold the next Strategic Partnership Council meeting at a mutually convenient time. Recognizing their ongoing economic and social progress, they also committed to continued communication, coordination, and cooperation across various sectors. At the end of the visit, Modi conveyed his best wishes for continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohammed extended his sincere wishes to Modi and the friendly people of India for further progress and prosperity.
