Saudi Exports organizes trade mission to Japan

More than 22 companies from the Kingdom and over 73 Japanese companies from the services and food sectors participated in the Saudi Trade Mission to Japan. (Shutterstock)
Short Url
Updated 09 August 2023
Follow

Saudi Exports organizes trade mission to Japan

TOKYO: The Saudi Export Development Authority, under the identity of ‘Made in Saudi Arabia,’ organized the activities of a trade mission to Japan, which took place on Aug. 8 in the capital, Tokyo.

This initiative falls within the organization’s efforts aimed at developing non-oil Saudi exports. It stems from its role in promoting exporters and their products, encouraging Saudi products, and enhancing their competitiveness to reach international markets.

More than 22 companies from the Kingdom and over 73 Japanese companies from the services and food sectors participated in the Saudi Trade Mission to Japan.

The mission seeks to enhance economic and trade relations between the two countries and explore new avenues of cooperation that support the entry of national products and services into the promising Japanese market.

The mission included bilateral meetings, business matching sessions, agreements, and memoranda of understanding between the Saudi and Japanese sides.

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports to Japan between 2018 and 2022 amounted to SR16.42 billion ($4.38 billion) with last year registering SR3.72 billion.

The chemical and polymers sector led the way with exports worth SR1.72 billion, followed by the construction materials sector with SR1 billion.

The participation of Saudi Exports in this trade mission, which opens up numerous export opportunities, reaffirms its strong commitment to promoting exporters and their products, facilitating connections between exporters and potential buyers.

This effort contributes to stimulating the growth of non-oil Saudi exports, fostering greater international market engagement, and serving as a conduit for the national economy.

These endeavors align with the objectives of Saudi Exports and translate into the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, diversifying income sources for the national economy.


Saudi POS spending jumps 28% in final week of Jan: SAMA

Updated 06 February 2026
Follow

Saudi POS spending jumps 28% in final week of Jan: SAMA

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale spending climbed sharply in the final week of January, rising nearly 28 percent from the previous week as consumer outlays increased across almost all sectors. 

POS transactions reached SR16 billion ($4.27 billion) in the week ending Jan. 31, up 27.8 percent week on week, according to the Saudi Central Bank. Transaction volumes rose 16.5 percent to 248.8 million, reflecting stronger retail and service activity. 

Spending on jewelry saw the biggest uptick at 55.5 percent to SR613.69 million, followed by laundry services which saw a 44.4 percent increase to SR62.83 million. 

Expenditure on personal care rose 29.1 percent, while outlays on books and stationery increased 5.1 percent. Hotel spending climbed 7.4 percent to SR377.1 million. 

Further gains were recorded across other categories. Spending in pharmacies and medical supplies rose 33.4 percent to SR259.19 million, while medical services increased 13.7 percent to SR515.44 million. 

Food and beverage spending surged 38.6 percent to SR2.6 billion, accounting for the largest share of total POS value. Restaurants and cafes followed with a 20.4 percent increase to SR1.81 billion. Apparel and clothing spending rose 35.4 percent to SR1.33 billion, representing the third-largest share during the week. 

The Kingdom’s key urban centers mirrored the national surge. Riyadh, which accounted for the largest share of total POS spending, saw a 22 percent rise to SR5.44 billion from SR4.46 billion the previous week. The number of transactions in the capital reached 78.6 million, up 13.8 percent week on week. 

In Jeddah, transaction values increased 23.7 percent to SR2.16 billion, while Dammam reported a 22.2 percent rise to SR783.06 million. 

POS data, tracked weekly by SAMA, provides an indicator of consumer spending trends and the ongoing growth of digital payments in Saudi Arabia.  

The data also highlights the expanding reach of POS infrastructure, extending beyond major retail hubs to smaller cities and service sectors, supporting broader digital inclusion initiatives.  

The growth of digital payment technologies aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, promoting electronic transactions and contributing to the Kingdom’s broader digital economy.