Latest news with #economicforum


Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan's minister promotes investment opportunities in Jordan at Singapore economic forum
AMMAN — Jordan offers investors access to markets worth a combined $50 trillion through a network of free trade and bilateral agreements spanning multiple continents, Minister of Investment Mothanna Gharaibeh said on Wednesday. Speaking at the 'Jordan: Your Gateway to Human Capital, Competitive Advantage and Global Markets' economic forum held in Singapore, Gharaibeh highlighted the Kingdom's strategic location and advanced infrastructure as key enablers for accessing regional and international markets. The forum was organised in partnership with Arab Bank Group and the Jordanian Embassy in Singapore, and attended by leading Singaporean and international companies, sovereign wealth funds, and major economic institutions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Gharaibeh stressed that Jordan plays a critical role in international food security, particularly through its fertiliser production sector, in addition to a range of expanding industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, apparel and electronics. He also pointed to the rapid growth of Jordan's ICT sector, where digital job opportunities are increasing by an annual rate of 19 per cent, citing examples of Singaporean companies that have chosen Jordan as a base for regional and international expansion. Referencing a feasibility study conducted by IBM on semiconductor investment, Gharaibeh noted that Jordan ranked highest in profitability among all assessed locations and offered a low-risk operational environment compared to major competitors. He also reiterated the government's commitment to implementing the Economic Modernisation Vision, which aims to position Jordan as a regional industrial hub, boost exports, optimise natural resource use, attract domestic and foreign investment, and advance sustainable economic practices. Jordan's Ambassador to Singapore Samer Naber underscored the strategic role of diplomatic missions in promoting investment by leveraging networks with local and foreign investors, sovereign and private funds, venture capital firms and public entities in host countries. Naber said the forum was the result of close cooperation between the embassy and Arab Bank, reflecting a strong public-private sector partnership model that Jordan is keen to advance. He also outlined Jordan's green energy strategy during a panel session, focusing on renewable energy projects, the 2022–2050 National Climate Change Policy, carbon emissions reduction commitments, and green bond frameworks currently being finalised by the Central Bank of Jordan to enhance green finance mechanisms. Naber called for greater cooperation with Singapore in the green energy sector and highlighted the potential for increased investment from Singaporean companies active in the Middle East and Jordan. Speaking at the forum, Arab Bank CEO Randa Sadik reaffirmed the bank's support for national efforts to position Jordan as an attractive investment destination, while also enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors, both locally and internationally. Sadik emphasised the strategic role of the banking sector in supporting economic growth through a comprehensive suite of financial services tailored to investor needs. These efforts, she said, are vital to attracting investment and building partnerships that promote sustainable development. The forum aimed to showcase Jordan's investment environment and highlight its key advantages, including a highly skilled workforce, competitive operating costs, strategic geographic position, and ease of access to regional and global markets. Panel discussions throughout the forum featured success stories from companies investing in Jordan. Speakers included Arab Potash Company Chairman Shahaadeh Abu Hdaib and General Manager Ma'en Nsour, CEO of the Aqaba Development Corporation Hussein Safadi (via video call), and Manish Gupta, representative of IFFCO and investor in the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company. Gupta noted that approximately 25 per cent of the food produced in India relies on fertilisers imported from Jordan. Director of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships at Bigo Technology Mary Miller shared the company's experience in Jordan, noting that it now employs around 1,000 Jordanians in the IT sector. During his visit to Singapore, Gharaibeh is scheduled to meet with Minister of Trade and Industry Tan See Leng to explore ways to deepen bilateral economic cooperation and facilitate Singaporean investments in Jordan as a launchpad for regional and global expansion. He will also hold bilateral meetings with senior executives from top global firms and investment entities, including Singapore's sovereign wealth funds GIC and Temasek Holdings, the Economic Development Board (EDB), and major companies such as ST Engineering, Accuron Technologies, OUE Limited and global consultancy Meinhardt. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


South China Morning Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Li rises to occasion at ‘Summer Davos' with way forward for world
Since the first World Economic Forum 54 years ago at Davos, Switzerland, few have been held during comparable geopolitical turmoil and uncertainty as the 'Summer Davos' in Tianjin, northern China. The background of worldwide tariff wars, economic tensions involving leading powers and hot wars in the Middle East and Europe is without precedent. For example, policymakers and entrepreneurs have made it clear at the forum that uncertainties created by the United States' tariffs blitz are not only disrupting global supply chains but also delaying investment decisions. Advertisement It is amid all these strains on stability that economic leaders from government and private sectors around the globe have come together in Tianjin for the forum's second-largest annual gathering. They are looking to China, as the second-biggest and fastest-growing major economy, for a clear vision on the way forward. Premier Li Qiang, keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, the formal name of the event, did not disappoint. China is pinning its faith on the huge untapped potential of consumer spending to sustain its growth momentum. Li affirmed the country was striving to expand domestic demand and build a consumption-driven economy of a 'massive scale' on the foundations of a manufacturing powerhouse. Thanks to fragile consumer confidence, there is a long way to go, as shown by last month's retail sales. They may have been up 6.4 per cent year on year, but that was after they were boosted by government subsidy and trade-in schemes. The latter lifted sales of cars, household appliances and other consumer items by more than 1.4 trillion yuan (HK$1.5 trillion) in 2024, a figure expected to be exceeded this year. Until a nation of savers can be persuaded to spend, Beijing may need to persist with incentives and subsidies. Earlier, in separate meetings with foreign leaders, Li called on nations to defend free trade and multilateralism and uphold the stability of global supply chains. He reiterated China's commitment to working with other countries to pursue modernisation through pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation. This would create 'vast new market opportunities' for businesses around the world. Advertisement Addressing any doubts whether China could maintain growth in the face of so many volatile external challenges, Li said: 'We have the confidence and capability to keep China's economic growth at a relatively fast speed.'

Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
President Ramkalawan Chairs Inaugural Government-Private Sector Economic Forum
President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over a landmark economic forum on Tuesday afternoon, bringing together high-level government officials and private sector representatives in an unprecedented collaborative dialogue aimed at strengthening Seychelles' economic foundation and fostering sustainable growth. The historic gathering held at State House, marked the commencement of a structured partnership between the government and business community. President Ramkalawan articulated his vision for enhanced economic cooperation, expressing profound enthusiasm for the collaborative framework being established to streamline business operations and accelerate the nation's economic trajectory. He emphasized the administration's dedication to creating an environment where private sector innovation and investment can flourish, recognizing that such an environment is essential for achieving long-term economic prosperity. The collaborative approach established through this inaugural forum represents a significant step toward more inclusive economic governance and strategic partnership between public and private sectors. The forum commenced with comprehensive discussions on strategic land development and reclamation initiatives. The Minister of Investment, entrepreneurship and Industry Mrs. Devika Vidot provided an insightful overview of land utilization policies, establishing the foundation for CEO Jitesh Shah's detailed presentation on reclamation projects. These discussions illuminated significant opportunities for strategic land development that would support industrial expansion while addressing the growing demand for commercial spaces. Financial sector modernization emerged as a central theme throughout the deliberations. The Chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivered comprehensive presentations addressing the acceleration of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer(KYC) reforms, initiatives designed to enhance business growth prospects while ensuring robust financial inclusion. These reforms represent crucial steps toward maintaining Seychelles' competitive position in the international financial sector and addressing compliance requirements that have become increasingly stringent in the global marketplace. The forum also extensively examined payment system modernization, with particular emphasis on the systematic phase-out of traditional cheque systems and the implementation of contemporary digital payment infrastructure and its associated disadvantages. The forum concluded with a commitment to establishing regular dialogue mechanisms that will ensure ongoing communication between government and private sector stakeholders on a monthly basis. This framework is designed to create responsive policy development processes that can adapt to changing market conditions and emerging business needs. The successful convening of this forum demonstrates the government's commitment to transparent dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, establishing a foundation for continued engagement that will support Seychelles' economic development objectives while addressing the practical challenges faced by businesses operating in the modern economy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.


Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman showcases investment ambitions at SPIEF 2025, advancing strategic investment ties with Russia
St. Petersburg, Russia: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, concluded its participation in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), reaffirming its commitment to global economic dialogue and cross-border investment engagement. Oman spotlighted its integrated business ecosystem and priority sectors under Oman Vision 2040, which aims to foster a resilient and diversified economy. SPIEF 2025 attracted approximately 20,000 participants from 140 countries, maintaining robust international engagement. The Forum featured more than 150 events, ranging from thematic panels and plenary sessions to business breakfasts and bilateral dialogues. High-profile attendees included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, Bahraini royal Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile — alongside senior officials from nearly 50 countries, including Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the Central African Republic. Their presence underscored SPIEF's role as a pivotal platform for fostering multipolar economic cooperation. The Omani delegation was led by Her Excellency Ibtisam bint Ahmed Al Farooji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, who spearheaded a series of high-level meetings and sector-focused engagements. The delegation's program included participation in key forum sessions, bilateral meetings with institutional investors, and exploratory visits to major corporate pavilions. This year, Oman's focus centered on promoting investment in four high-potential sectors: luxury tourism, logistics, food security, and mining — each aligned with national efforts to position Oman as a competitive and future-ready investment destination. As part of its engagement, Oman organized a dedicated roundtable with leading Russian companies active in these sectors. The session provided a platform to present the Sultanate's competitive advantages, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure readiness, while facilitating direct dialogue with potential investors and strategic partners. 'Oman is focused on high-value investment, enabling enterprise through streamlined digital platforms, and scaling public-private partnerships—an area where we bring over two decades of institutional experience. Our business climate continues to strengthen, supported by policy clarity, legal reform, and competitive market access.' She highlighted Oman's upgraded credit rating by Standard & Poor's in 2024 as a signal of fiscal stability and investor confidence, adding that the Sultanate is actively translating these gains into tangible investment momentum across key sectors—from green hydrogen and advanced manufacturing to integrated tourism and logistics. Trade and economic cooperation between Oman and Russia continues to deepen. As of February 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached RO 30.9 million. Notably, Omani exports to Russia surged from RO 582,602 in 2022 to RO 3.35 million in 2023 — a remarkable 475% increase. Imports from Russia totaled RO 188.4 million, highlighting the scale and diversification of commercial ties between the two countries. Oman's participation in SPIEF 2025 aligns with its broader strategy to enhance investor outreach in key international markets, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. By leveraging global platforms such as SPIEF, Oman is actively cultivating a network of institutional investors and strategic partners to catalyse sustainable development and high-impact investment. As part of the official business program, Oman participated in the SPIEF session titled 'Greater Eurasia: Drivers for the Formation of an Integrated Investment Market.' Her Excellency joined global investment leaders to explore policy tools that can accelerate cross-border capital flows. Discussions addressed market integration, institutional readiness, and innovative investment instruments — themes that closely align with Oman's ongoing investment reform agenda. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman courts global investors at Russia forum
ST PETERSBURG - The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, concluded its participation in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), reaffirming its commitment to global economic dialogue and cross-border investment engagement. Oman spotlighted its integrated business ecosystem and priority sectors under Oman Vision 2040, which aims to foster a resilient and diversified economy. SPIEF 2025 attracted approximately 20,000 participants from 140 countries, maintaining robust international engagement. The Forum featured more than 150 events, ranging from thematic panels and plenary sessions to business breakfasts and bilateral dialogues. High-profile attendees included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, Bahraini royal Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile — alongside senior officials from nearly 50 countries, including Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the Central African Republic. Their presence underscored SPIEF's role as a pivotal platform for fostering multipolar economic cooperation. The Omani delegation was led by Ibtisam bint Ahmed Al Farooji, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Investment Promotion, who spearheaded a series of high-level meetings and sector-focused engagements. The delegation's program included participation in key forum sessions, bilateral meetings with institutional investors, and exploratory visits to major corporate pavilions. This year, Oman's focus centered on promoting investment in four high-potential sectors: luxury tourism, logistics, food security, and mining — each aligned with national efforts to position Oman as a competitive and future-ready investment destination. As part of its engagement, Oman organized a dedicated roundtable with leading Russian companies active in these sectors. The session provided a platform to present the Sultanate's competitive advantages, regulatory reforms, and infrastructure readiness, while facilitating direct dialogue with potential investors and strategic partners. 'Oman is focused on high-value investment, enabling enterprise through streamlined digital platforms, and scaling public-private partnerships—an area where we bring over two decades of institutional experience. Our business climate continues to strengthen, supported by policy clarity, legal reform, and competitive market access.' She highlighted Oman's upgraded credit rating by Standard & Poor's in 2024 as a signal of fiscal stability and investor confidence, adding that the Sultanate is actively translating these gains into tangible investment momentum across key sectors—from green hydrogen and advanced manufacturing to integrated tourism and logistics. Trade and economic cooperation between Oman and Russia continues to deepen. As of February 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached RO 30.9 million. Notably, Omani exports to Russia surged from RO 582,602 in 2022 to RO 3.35 million in 2023 — a remarkable 475% increase. Imports from Russia totaled RO 188.4 million, highlighting the scale and diversification of commercial ties between the two countries. Oman's participation in SPIEF 2025 aligns with its broader strategy to enhance investor outreach in key international markets, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. By leveraging global platforms such as SPIEF, Oman is actively cultivating a network of institutional investors and strategic partners to catalyze sustainable development and high-impact investment. As part of the official business programme, Oman participated in the SPIEF session titled 'Greater Eurasia: Drivers for the Formation of an Integrated Investment Market.' Al Farooji joined global investment leaders to explore policy tools that can accelerate cross-border capital flows. Discussions addressed market integration, institutional readiness, and innovative investment instruments — themes that closely align with Oman's ongoing investment reform agenda.