Sam Jamsheedi and Faisal Bouzo: The driving forces behind Saudi-Australian trade relations

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H.E. Mr. Bandar Alkhorayef and Sam Jamsheedi during the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources visit to Sydney in 2022
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Faisal Bouzo and Sam Jamsheedi
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Sam Jamsheedi
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Faisal Bouzo
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Updated 10 November 2023
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Sam Jamsheedi and Faisal Bouzo: The driving forces behind Saudi-Australian trade relations

In the evolving landscape of Saudi-Australian trade relations, Sam Jamsheedi has emerged as a pivotal figure in fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations. Jamsheedi, Founder of Trademark Group — a community of businesses sharing investment opportunities, ideas, and relationships for those looking to expand abroad. Trademark even established regional headquarters in Riyadh, connecting more than 150 Australian businesses with the growing Saudi economy.

His journey began with a visit to Saudi Arabia in July 2022, driven by a curiosity to witness firsthand the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. Little did he know that this trip would spark a series of events that would significantly transform trade relations between the two nations.

During his initial visit to Saudi Arabia, Jamsheedi was struck by the country’s burgeoning opportunities for Australian businesses. He recognized that the Kingdom, once relatively closed off, was now rapidly opening its doors to international investments and partnerships. This newfound potential prompted Jamsheedi to take action and become a bridge between Australian companies and the thriving Saudi market.

Jamsheedi embarked on a mission to facilitate trade between the two nations. Over the course of a year, he organized multiple delegations, including the largest Australian delegation ever to visit Saudi Arabia. Australian Ambassador Mark Donovan acknowledged the significance of this partnership, emphasizing how Vision 2030 marked the beginning of a robust economic cooperation between Australia and Saudi Arabia. Jamsheedi’s efforts didn’t stop there; he assumed the role of chairman of the Australian Saudi Business Forum, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and bilateral relationships between the two countries.

In February 2023, crucial agreements were signed to solidify the burgeoning trade relationship. One of the pivotal moments of Jamsheedi’s journey was the agreement he signed with Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Sons Co., granting Trademark Group the exclusive representation of AHQ and Sons in Australia. This agreement exemplified Jamsheedi’s commitment to fostering two-way trade and investment, creating opportunities for both Australian businesses in Saudi Arabia and Saudi businesses in Australia.

During the June 2023 delegation to the Kingdom led by Jamsheedi, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts, visited Riyadh. This visit was not just about diplomacy; it showcased the growing presence of Australian-educated entrepreneurs in Riyadh, who were sharing Australian café culture and forging economic collaborations. Following Watts’ visit, he and Jamsheedi met in Australian Parliament House in Canberra to strategize on increasing the bilateral trade, development and cooperation in the Kingdom.

Jamsheedi has also noted the significant progress in women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, with the workforce now comprising 37 percent women, according to the Kingdom’s published statistics. He encourages people to visit Saudi Arabia and witness the transformation firsthand, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the country’s evolution in development and women’s rights.

Regarding sectors ripe for collaboration, Jamsheedi sees vast potential in various areas, including agriculture, construction, infrastructure, engineering, food, and beverage. The scale of Saudi Arabia’s economic boom means that numerous sectors remain open to Australian businesses.

In the realm of construction, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a surge of iconic landmarks and prestigious projects thanks to companies like C&P, led by Faisal Bouzo, who has been working closely with Jamsheedi as his Saudi counterpart and assisting in the business relations between both Australia and Saudi Arabia. Bouzo’s vision for C&P is crystal clear: to deliver a track record of prestigious projects that become iconic landmarks in Saudi Arabia. This vision has been realized through extensive experience in multifaceted projects, enabling the company to attain excellence in all aspects of the construction process.

C&P’s project value for its current pipeline of projects is set to exceed $266.2 million due to their focus on mega structural and fit-out projects. What sets C&P apart is their commitment to providing turnkey solutions, from concept to full implementation and delivery. This includes handling construction, fit-out, MEP, and project management in-house.

Bouzo emphasizes the importance of high-quality expertise, from project directors to project managers and architects. This ensures that all required personnel have the appropriate expertise to efficiently contribute to each project they undertake.

Jamsheedi’s journey from a curious visitor to a driving force in Saudi-Australian trade relations exemplifies the transformative power of visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. As Saudi Arabia rapidly evolves, Jamsheedi’s efforts are poised to continue playing a pivotal role in connecting businesses and fostering economic cooperation between these two nations. Meanwhile, Bouzo and C&P are leaving their mark on Saudi Arabia’s construction landscape by delivering iconic landmarks and prestigious projects, underpinned by a commitment to excellence and the latest construction technologies, and working closely with international partners to execute their projects.


Yanmar opens office in Riyadh, solidifying commitment to KSA

Updated 16 February 2025
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Yanmar opens office in Riyadh, solidifying commitment to KSA

  • Underlining its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth, Yanmar Arabia has already made significant strides

Yanmar, a global leader in innovative power solutions, has announced the establishment of Yanmar Arabia, further solidifying its long-standing presence in the Kingdom. With more than 55 years of collaboration through its distributor Abdullah Hashim Co. Ltd., Yanmar has been a trusted name in delivering high-performance engines and powertrain solutions to various industries.
Yanmar Arabia officially opened its doors on Feb. 10 in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting the region’s industrial and power needs with cutting-edge technology.
Yanmar Arabia marks a strategic shift, emphasizing its expertise in TNV engines and tailored powertrain solutions for original equipment manufacturers. Unlike finished products, Yanmar Arabia focuses on providing cutting-edge engineering support, application development, and customized solutions that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 industrialization goals.
Underlining its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth, Yanmar Arabia has already made significant strides. A key milestone includes a partnership with ASAD Industries, a local OEM based in Jeddah, which now produces truck refrigeration units powered by Yanmar engines. This collaboration is a testament to Yanmar’s dedication to fostering local manufacturing and enhancing technological capabilities in the region.
“We are not just here for commercial purposes. Our mission is to provide world-class powertrain solutions that drive local innovation. By working closely with Saudi OEMs, we aim to contribute to the ‘Made in Saudi’ initiative, empowering manufacturers with reliable and sustainable engine solutions,” said Samir Laoukili, CEO of Yanmar Arabia.
General Manager Raheel Aziz added: “Our focus is on delivering application engineering expertise and strengthening our partnerships with local manufacturers. Through Yanmar Arabia, we will continue to support the Kingdom’s industrial evolution with robust, high-efficiency engine solutions.”
With a rich history spanning seven main business domains, Yanmar is globally recognized for its relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability. The company actively contributes to environmental responsibility through the Yanmar Green Challenge, an initiative that seeks to achieve a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across its product lines.
Additionally, Yanmar’s Hanasaka program is dedicated to youth development, fostering the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders through education and skill-building initiatives.
By integrating these global sustainability and development initiatives with its presence in Saudi Arabia, Yanmar Arabia is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of power solutions within the Kingdom.

 


stc advances gen AI innovation in region with Cohere

Updated 16 February 2025
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stc advances gen AI innovation in region with Cohere

  • The joint effort will focus on key AI-powered innovations, including stc’s AI-powered language model and the Digital Co-Workers Foundry, designed to optimize business efficiency and deliver a superior digital experience for customers

stc Group, the region’s leading digital enabler, has announced a strategic collaboration with Cohere, a secure enterprise AI company, to transform the AI landscape in the Middle East and beyond. This collaboration is set to redefine stc’s AI-driven operations, enhance customer engagement, and unlock new digital growth opportunities through state-of-the-art AI solutions.
Under the collaboration, stc will leverage Cohere’s cutting-edge AI capabilities to develop transformative products as part of its internal gen AI initiative. The joint effort will focus on key AI-powered innovations, including stc’s AI-powered language model and the Digital Co-Workers Foundry, designed to optimize business efficiency and deliver a superior digital experience for customers.

HIGHLIGHT

The joint effort will focus on key AI-powered innovations, including stc’s AI-powered language model and the Digital Co-Workers Foundry, designed to optimize business efficiency and deliver a superior digital experience for customers.

As part of the efforts, stc will work with Cohere to develop North for Telecom, a customized version of Cohere’s North, a secure AI workspace platform announced earlier this year. North for Telecom will be tailored to address the unique needs of the sector, providing intelligent automation, enhanced conversational experiences, and real-time data insights. Meanwhile, the Digital Co-Workers Foundry will introduce AI-driven virtual assistants designed to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and support stc’s workforce with intelligent automation solutions.

It’s been great working closely with stc’s team, says Aidan Gomez, Cohere’s Co-founder and CEO

“As a leader in digital transformation, stc continues to invest in advanced AI technologies that will shape the future of our industry. Our collaboration with Cohere represents a significant milestone in our AI journey, reinforcing our vision to harness AI-driven intelligence, enhance operational capabilities, and introduce innovative AI solutions that create tangible value,” said Haithem Mohammed Alfaraj, group chief technology officer at stc Group.
Motaz Alangari, group chief investment officer at stc Group, added: “stc Group strategically invests in pioneering companies that unlock access to transformative technologies, new business models, and enhanced revenue streams. This collaboration aligns with tali ventures, stc’s corporate venture capital arm, which plays a key role in fostering technological advancement and investing in next-generation innovations that complement stc’s digital ecosystem.”
“Cohere is a global leader in secure enterprise AI, and our investment in this collaboration facilitates access to enterprise-grade AI solutions, positioning stc to maximize AI’s potential across its product and service offerings.”
Cohere will bring its expertise in enterprise AI models and applications to stc’s ecosystem, ensuring faster adoption and optimization of AI capabilities across stc’s digital infrastructure.
“It’s been great working closely with stc’s team,” said Aidan Gomez, Cohere’s co-founder and CEO. “I’m really excited to bring our secure AI technology to enhance its role as a digital enabler. We look forward to collaborating with stc and integrating Cohere’s enterprise AI solutions to lift grunt work off the backs of their employees so they can focus more on the areas of their jobs where they can add real value.”
This collaboration underscores stc’s commitment to being at the forefront of AI-driven innovation, fostering a digital-first economy, and shaping the future of intelligent technology in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

 


KSA’s dynamic construction sector under spotlight at show

Photo: (X @thebig5saudi)
Updated 16 February 2025
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KSA’s dynamic construction sector under spotlight at show

  • Held at the ICC Theatre, Hall 6, Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event spotlighted transformative developments and opportunities, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals

Saudi Arabia’s construction industry is rapidly evolving, fueled by technological advancements, strategies in large-scale projects, policy reforms and sustainability. Returning once again to Big 5 Construct Saudi, the International Contracting Conference, organized by the Saudi Contractors Authority and dmg events and taking place on Feb. 15-16, hosted government officials, industry leaders and policymakers to share insights into navigating the Kingdom’s construction landscape and exploring new opportunities.
ICC 2025 united top contractors and international contracting experts in the Kingdom for two days of insightful dialogues and discussions focusing on topics such as the impact of Vision 2030, innovative construction methods, digital tools for project management and government-private sector collaboration. Held at the ICC Theatre, Hall 6, Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event spotlighted transformative developments and opportunities, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Prominent industry leaders who headlined the conference this year included: Khalid Al-Othman, president of the National Committee for Sustainability and Green Economy, Federation of Saudi Chambers; Dr. Anas Bataw, strategy and innovation director, KEO International Consultants; Prakash Senghani, CEO and co-founder, Navatech; James Irvine, managing director, Alvarez and Marshal; Alaa Arabi, principal, TBH; Alexander Sarac, partner at Addleshaw Goddard; Ayman Alwaleedi, executive director — project management at Rua Al-Madinah; Mark Sperring, regional PMC director; and Wael Allan, chief executive at Ayar International Contracting Company.

Complementing ICC, Big 5 Construct Saudi is also hosting Big 5 Talks, featuring more than 75 expert-led sessions designed to empower professionals with actionable strategies and progressive insights over two weeks. Featuring over 150 speakers, subject-matter experts and leaders, these sessions cover various topics impacting the Kingdom’s built environment, enabling attendees to have fresh ideas, practical solutions and professional growth.
The first week (Feb. 15-18) will lay strong foundations for the construction industry, covering key topics from design to execution. Discussions will explore advancements in HVAC R, modular construction, project management, health and safety and regulatory compliance.
In the second week (Feb. 24–27), the focus will shift to transforming projects from fit-out to services, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions and operational excellence. The Architect Leaders Forum will bring together industry visionaries to discuss trends shaping architectural design, while sessions on facilities management and green buildings will highlight the best practices for maintaining sustainable structures.
With more than 5,200 construction projects currently underway, including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, Diriyah and others, valued at an estimated $819 billion, the Kingdom’s development initiatives showcase the immense scale and ambition of its transformation.
“As Saudi Arabia sprints toward Vision 2030, organizations and individuals must evolve to help facilitate these ambitions,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction at dmg events. “The panel discussions and sessions at Big 5 Construct Saudi are therefore strategically curated to address the industry challenges and provide innovative ideas and solutions to meet the Kingdom’s goals for its dynamic contracting sector.”

 


Intertek strengthens Middle East commitment with new regional HQ in Riyadh

Updated 16 February 2025
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Intertek strengthens Middle East commitment with new regional HQ in Riyadh

Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has opened its regional headquarters in Riyadh. This new hub will play a key role in supporting Intertek’s expanding portfolio of services and solidifying its commitment to customers in the region, as well as highlighting Intertek’s role in achieving the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

Intertek’s own vision focuses on innovation, sustainability, and industry diversification. With the Kingdom reducing its reliance on oil by fostering growth in key sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, and technology, Intertek aims to stand as a trusted partner in this transformation. With a strong legacy in the oil and gas sector, Intertek continues to support the industry’s evolution while leveraging its expertise to help businesses across all sectors meet the highest quality and safety standards. Through its comprehensive assurance, testing, inspection, and certification solutions, Intertek enables organizations to innovate, expand, and contribute to the Kingdom’s diversified economy. Intertek’s sustainability solutions, including environmental audits and renewable energy certifications, also align with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a greener future, driving economic growth and environmental responsibility. 

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is focused on building state-of-the-art infrastructure, and Intertek’s services in construction material testing, inspection, and certification help ensure that these projects meet global safety and quality standards. Intertek also empowers local talent by investing in capacity-building and professional development programs, fostering the growth of Saudi talent in the quality and assurance fields. Through these efforts, the company is helping Saudi businesses thrive in the global marketplace, furthering the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading global economic hub, while upholding excellence in the oil and gas industry. 

Hanna Jabbour, Intertek vice president, industry services, MENAWA, SSA, and South-East Asia, said: “Intertek has been operating in Saudi Arabia for more than 30 years, and we are proud to play a vital role in supporting the country’s infrastructure development and global competitiveness. The opening of our regional headquarters marks a significant long-term investment and commitment to the Saudi market, reflecting the Kingdom’s ambition to create a sustainable and thriving economy by 2030 and beyond.”

Steven Owens, Intertek managing director, MENAP, said: “Our portfolio of complementary services and expertise has always been closely connected to the evolving needs of our customers. The new headquarters location will enable our teams to collaborate more efficiently and effectively while providing a local foundation on which to support the broader region.” 

Present at the regional headquarters opening ceremony in Riyadh were Jabbour; Owens; Ross McCluskey, Intertek executive vice president Europe, Middle East and Africa and government and trade services; Bertrand Mallet, EVP, Intertek industry services; a senior adviser from the Ministry of Investment; UK embassy representatives; and several government officials. 


STC Bank partners with PLDT Global to expand digital payment solutions

Updated 15 February 2025
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STC Bank partners with PLDT Global to expand digital payment solutions

STC Bank, a leading Saudi digital bank, has entered into a strategic partnership with PLDT Global Corporation, the international arm of PLDT Inc., to enhance digital financial solutions and payment accessibility for its customers in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the strategic partnership, STC Bank will be available as a payment option within PLDT Global’s digital marketplace, Tindahan ni Bossing, and include Vortex products on its marketplace. Vortex, PLDT Global’s robust, secure, and integration-ready digital distribution platform, ensures seamless transactions for users, enabling them to conduct smooth and secure digital payments.

Nizar Altwaijri, CEO of STC Bank

By leveraging its digital banking infrastructure and expertise, STC Bank will facilitate financial inclusion, streamline cross-border payments, and enhance cybersecurity measures to safeguard digital transactions for PLDT’s customers in Saudi Arabia.
“At STC Bank, we are driving financial inclusion through innovation that empowers individuals and businesses alike. Our collaboration with PLDT Global aligns with our mission to enhance digital banking accessibility, ensuring seamless and efficient transactions for our customers, no matter how far they are from their home countries” said Nizar Altwaijri, CEO of STC Bank.

At STC Bank, we are driving financial inclusion through innovation that empowers individuals and businesses alike.

Nizar Altwaijri, CEO of STC Bank

“We are thrilled to join forces with STC Bank. This partnership will enable us to provide every Filipino and our other customers in Saudi Arabia with convenient and secure payment options that meet their evolving needs. Together, we are committed to empowering businesses and communities at home and abroad,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, president and CEO at PLDT Global.
This strategic alliance is in line with STC Bank’s continued expansion into global digital ecosystems, reinforcing its commitment to offering cutting-edge financial services that cater to the evolving needs of Saudi citizens and residents in an increasingly digital economy.