More than 70 Saudi firms travel to Poland, Slovakia to boost trade ties

The objective is to explore investment opportunities and sign several agreements and commercial partnerships.
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Updated 18 November 2024
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More than 70 Saudi firms travel to Poland, Slovakia to boost trade ties

JEDDAH: Representatives from 72 Saudi firms are part of a group visiting Poland and Slovakia in a bid to increase trade with the European countries.

Delegates from Federation of Saudi Chambers are also part of the trip, which will see high-level economic meetings involving senior government officials and private sector representatives. Their objective is to explore investment opportunities and sign several agreements and commercial partnerships.

The delegation, led by Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Hassan bin Mujib Al-Huwaizi, includes over 72 business representatives from various economic sectors, along with governmental entities and authorities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

In August, the Kingdom and Poland established a joint business council for the 2024-2028 term to boost trade and investment between the two countries. The move is part of the nation’s broader strategy to deepen economic ties with Europe, with a particular focus on Poland, one of the continent’s largest economies.

Poland has seen impressive growth in its agri-food sector, with exports reaching a record €47.9 billion ($51.1 billion) in 2023 — a €10 billion increase from the previous year.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s trade exchange with Poland reached SR33.7 billion. The Kingdom’s primary exports to Poland include mineral products and plastics, while Poland’s main exports to the Arab country consist of tobacco, machinery, and mechanical appliances.

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Slovakia has also witnessed growth following the official opening of the Slovak Embassy in Riyadh in recent years. Additionally, bilateral trade has increased significantly, highlighting untapped investment opportunities.

The delegation will begin its visit to Poland by holding the Saudi-Polish Business Council meeting, a joint forum, and bilateral meetings between representatives.

In Slovakia, the delegation will host the Saudi-Slovak Business Forum, conduct meetings between companies from both sides and sign an agreement to establish a joint business council.

Through its recent series of international visits to ten countries, the federation is leading efforts to open new markets and opportunities for the Kingdom’s backers and to boost trade and investment exchanges with countries worldwide, in alignment with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,134 

Updated 22 January 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 11,134 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Thursday, gaining 185.3 points, or 1.69 percent, to close at 11,133.58. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.84 billion ($1.82 billion), as 205 of the listed stocks advanced, while 53 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased, up 25.93 points, or 1.76 percent, to close at 1,496.09. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 145.25 points, or 0.62 percent, to close at 23,513.27. This comes as 35 of the listed stocks advanced, while 33 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Middle East Healthcare Co., with its share price surging 10 percent to SR36.30. 

Other top performers included Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co., which saw its share price rise by 7.89 percent to SR155.90, and Derayah Financial Co., which saw a 7.07 percent increase to SR26.66. 

On the downside, Advanced Building Industries Co. recorded the biggest decline of the day, with its shares falling 4.45 percent to SR40.38. 

Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services Co. fell 4.4 percent to SR121.80, while CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. declined 3.77 percent to SR24. 

On the announcement front, Saudi Arabian Mining Co. said it has commenced its offering of US dollar-denominated trust certificates, commonly known as sukuk. 

The issuance, which runs from Jan. 22 to Jan. 29, is targeted at eligible investors in the Kingdom and internationally. 

While the final size, pricing, maturity, and returns of the offering will be determined based on market conditions, the minimum subscription has been set at $200,000.  

According to a Tadawul statement, Maaden has appointed a syndicate of 14 joint lead managers, including Albilad Investment, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs, as well as HSBC, J.P. Morgan, and SNB Capital, to manage the issuance.  

Maaden’s share price closed at SR72.45 on the main market, marking a 1.43 percent decrease.