Saudi-Finnish forum eyes bolstering ties

1 / 4
The Federation of Saudi Chambers and Business Finland signed a cooperation agreement. (SPA)
2 / 4
The Federation of Saudi Chambers and Business Finland signed a cooperation agreement. (SPA)
3 / 4
The Federation of Saudi Chambers and Business Finland signed a cooperation agreement. (SPA)
4 / 4
The Federation of Saudi Chambers and Business Finland signed a cooperation agreement. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 05 November 2022
Follow

Saudi-Finnish forum eyes bolstering ties

  • Al-Qasabi: Saudi Arabia’s economy witnessed a transformation that led to the opening of many new sectors and promising opportunities for businesses

HELSINKI: Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Saudi minister of commerce and chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, stressed the need to strengthen the economic partnership and diversify bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Finland, which is estimated at $645 million annually, and to benefit from Finland’s expertise in research and development, education and training, startups and innovation.
Heading a high-level Saudi delegation participating in the forum organized by Business Finland in cooperation with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, Al-Qasabi explained that the Kingdom’s economy witnessed a transformation that led to the opening of many new sectors and promising opportunities for businesses.
He said the Kingdom is working to transform itself into a global trade and logistics hub, taking advantage of its geographical location and its capabilities, which are currently being developed in light of the national strategy for transport and logistics services.
Al-Qasabi pointed out that there is potential for cooperation in a number of fields, including renewable energy generation, hydrogen use in industrial applications and transportation, as well as in the development and use of carbon capture technologies. 
During the forum, which 120 officials from both countries’ public and private sectors attended, the Federation of Saudi Chambers and Business Finland signed a cooperation agreement.

 


Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

Updated 03 February 2026
Follow

Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference

  • Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
  • Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.

The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.

Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.

Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.

Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.

“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.

“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.

“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”