China In-focus: Tax relief worth $21bn unveiled to boost slowing economy; policymakers pledge more steps

Lockdowns in China are predicted to have a greater effect on global supply chains than the Russia-Ukraine war, Reuters reported citing the head of German logistics company DHL Group’s freight business.
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Updated 24 May 2022
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China In-focus: Tax relief worth $21bn unveiled to boost slowing economy; policymakers pledge more steps

RIYADH: China unveiled a major tax relief to help lift the world’s second largest economy. The country’s policymakers also pledged to take necessary measures to help the economy recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

·      China unveiled a tax relief worth over 140 billion yuan ($21 billion) to help boost its slowing economy, Bloomberg reported. This comes as the extended lockdowns since March have hit the economic growth of the Asian country. The support is mainly targeting companies and firms rather than households. Other measures taken include additional tax rebates to firms as well as cuts of around 60 billion yuan on passenger-car purchase taxes, according to a decision from China’s State Council.

·      Chinese policymakers have vowed to help the world’s second largest economy get back on its feet by implementing the necessary steps, Reuters reported citing the Cabinet. The measures to be taken include broadening tax credit rebates, postponing social security payments as well as loan repayments, introducing new investment projects, among others.

·      Lockdowns in China are predicted to have a greater effect on global supply chains than the Russia-Ukraine war, Reuters reported citing the head of German logistics company DHL Group’s freight business. Global supply chain bottlenecks, as a result of the lockdowns, are expected to linger through Christmas this year and all of the next year as a huge part of the global economy highly depends on China, the head said. 


Middle East Sports Investment Forum concludes 2nd day with a package of investments in the sports sector announced

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Middle East Sports Investment Forum concludes 2nd day with a package of investments in the sports sector announced

RIYADH: The Middle East Sports Investment Forum, in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Sports, and Sela Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and with the support of Invest in Saudi Arabia, concluded its second day at the Kingdom Arena with the announcement of a package of strategic investments and partnerships.

These initiatives reflect the rapid growth of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and underscore its increasing attractiveness to local and international investors.

The second day witnessed the announcement of several strategic agreements and alliances across various fields. 

Among the most prominent was the launch of specialized industrial investments in manufacturing components for sports stadium infrastructure. This will contribute to localizing supply chains and enhancing local content within the sports sector.

Partnerships in the field of sports medicine were also announced during the forum. These aim to transfer advanced medical expertise, develop healthcare services for athletes, and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system supporting the sports sector in the Kingdom.

The announcements also included collaboration in the field of temporary sports facilities and construction to support the Kingdom’s readiness to host major sporting events and championships and elevate the efficiency of the sector’s resilient infrastructure. 

The partnerships also seek to invest in sports technology, including digital solutions, performance analytics, and technological innovation, as well as expanding sports marketing, supporting clubs and events, and building sports brands.

The forum also included the formation of strategic alliances to develop specialized programs in a number of diverse sports, contributing to broadening the base of participants, raising the level of professionalism, and developing sporting talent. 

Participants affirmed that these announcements reflect the high confidence in the Saudi sports market and the Kingdom’s growing role as a regional and global hub for sports investment, supported by its advanced infrastructure, market size, and the diverse opportunities offered by Vision 2030. 

The Middle East Sports Investment Forum is a strategic platform for connecting investors and decision-makers, stimulating long-term partnerships, and accelerating the growth of the sports economy in the Kingdom and the region.