Saudi Tadawul Group and Chinese Shenzhen Stock Exchange sign MoU to boost cooperation 

Shenzhen stock market building and bull sculpture. Shutterstock
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Updated 11 December 2023
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Saudi Tadawul Group and Chinese Shenzhen Stock Exchange sign MoU to boost cooperation 

RIYADH: Cooperation efforts between Saudi Arabia and China’s capital markets are on track to flourish thanks to an agreement signed by the Saudi Tadawul Group. 

Inked with the Chinese Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the memorandum of understanding aims to enhance collaboration and explore new opportunities in several areas, including joint listing and financial technology, by leveraging the advantages of both parties, according to a statement. 

This move aligns with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange’s plans to bolster partnerships with foreign exchanges to attract more long-term funds from outside China. 

It also poses a crucial step in promoting the development of the Saudi capital market.

Moreover, fostering the growth of capital markets emerges as a shared objective for both nations as it is believed that issuers and investors from the joint countries will benefit from the deep cooperation between the capital markets, according to officials from Saudi Tadawul Group. 

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will work hand in hand to study the joint listing of exchange-traded funds and stocks. 

In addition, they will also exchange experiences and mutual learning in various fields, including environmental, social, and governance, financial technology, investor assistance, and corporate incubation services. This will help in supporting the high-quality development of both markets.

Moreover, both sides will jointly research and promote cooperation in products such as indices, funds, and real estate investment trusts. 

The two entities will also jointly build a cross-border capital service mechanism to promote the participation of market entities from both sides in cross-border investments and further advance the connectivity and integration of the capital markets between China and Saudi Arabia.

In September, the Saudi Tadawul Group and the Shanghai Stock Exchange signed an MoU to bolster cooperation and promote mutual development.

At the time, the agreement focused on dual listings of exchange-traded funds, initiatives related to investor relations and infrastructure development, as well as fintech, environmental and social practices. 

There was also support for family businesses and small-medium enterprises, corporate governance, and data exchange and research, according to a statement released at the time.


Acwa signs key terms to develop 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Turkiye

Updated 23 February 2026
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Acwa signs key terms to develop 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Turkiye

JEDDAH: Saudi utility giant Acwa has signed key investment agreements with Turkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to develop up to 5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, starting with 2GW of solar power across two plants in Sivas and Taseli.

Under the investment agreement, Acwa will develop, finance, and construct, as well as commission and operate both facilities, according to a press release.

The program builds on the company’s first investment in Turkiye, the 927-megawatt Kirikkale Independent Power Plant, valued at $930 million, which offsets approximately 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, the statement added.

A separate power purchase agreement has been concluded with Elektrik Uretim Anonim Sirketi for the sale of electricity generated by each facility.

Turkiye aims to boost solar and wind capacity to 120GW by 2035, supported by around $80 billion in investment, while recent projects have already helped prevent 12.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and reduced reliance on imported natural gas.

Turkiye’s energy sector has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years, with renewable power emerging as a central pillar of its strategy.

Raad Al-Saady, vice chairman and managing director of ACWA, said: “The signing of the IA (implementation agreement) and PPA key terms marks a pivotal moment in Acwa’s partnership with Turkiye, reflecting the country’s strong potential as a clean energy leader and manufacturing powerhouse.”

He added: “Building on our long-standing presence, including the 927MW Kirikkale Power Plant commissioned in 2017, this step elevates our partnership to a new level,” Al-Saady said.

In its statement, Acwa said the 5GW renewable energy program will deliver electricity at fixed prices, enhancing predictability for grid planning and supporting long-term industrial investment.

By replacing imported fossil fuels with domestically generated clean energy, the initiative is expected to reduce Turkiye’s exposure to global energy market volatility, strengthening energy security and lowering long-term power costs.

The company added that the economic impact will extend beyond the anticipated investment of up to $5 billion in foreign direct investment, with thousands of jobs expected during the construction phase and hundreds of high-skilled roles created during operations.

The energy firm concluded that its existing progress in Turkiye reflects a strong appreciation for Turkish engineering, construction, and manufacturing capacity, adding that localization has been a strategic priority, and it has already achieved 100 percent local employment at its developments in the country.