Saudi Arabia signs key tax, customs pacts to boost global trade and investment

The agreements were signed by Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who also serves as chairman of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, during the 3rd Zakat, Tax, and Customs Conference held in Riyadh on Wednesday. SPA
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Updated 04 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia signs key tax, customs pacts to boost global trade and investment

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has signed a series of tax and customs agreements with multiple countries, further reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to global economic integration and enhancing its role in international trade.

The agreements were signed by Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who also serves as chairman of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, during the 3rd Zakat, Tax, and Customs Conference held in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The two-day conference, inaugurated by Al-Jadaan, aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s international standing and promote deeper cooperation in the fields of tax, zakat, and customs.

The event focuses on digitization, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, addressing key challenges and supporting economic development in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Al-Jadaan signed a double taxation avoidance agreement with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Marko Primorac. This agreement aims to foster trade and investment between Saudi Arabia and Croatia while addressing tax-related challenges.

In addition, Al-Jadaan signed a customs cooperation agreement with Kosovo’s Minister of Finance, Labor, and Transfers, Hekuran Murati. This agreement focuses on enhancing trade facilitation through administrative collaboration and the use of advanced customs technologies.

He also signed a double taxation avoidance agreement with Kuwait’s Minister of Finance Noora Al-Fassam. This pact seeks to boost investment, address tax challenges, and strengthen bilateral economic relations between the two nations.

The conference brings together over 70 workshops, 90 local and international entities, and numerous panel discussions to share knowledge, address challenges, and develop strategies for supporting sustainable economic growth.

In his opening remarks, Al-Jadaan emphasized the conference’s role in fostering international collaboration and contributing to global economic recovery. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s progress in advancing Saudi Vision 2030, particularly through digital transformation.

Under ZATCA’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has become a global leader in e-government, achieving a 99.35 percent score on the UN E-Government Development Index.

This accomplishment reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to improving business processes and leveraging technology to streamline operations.

Al-Jadaan commended ZATCA for its continued excellence in achieving its objectives, contributing to Saudi Arabia's broader economic reforms, and advancing the Kingdom’s vision for a diversified and sustainable economy.

The 3rd Zakat, Tax, and Customs Conference underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global economic affairs and its proactive approach to fostering international partnerships.

By embracing innovation and working collaboratively with global partners, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in the future of global trade and economic development.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,917 

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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,917 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Monday, gaining 4.86 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 10,917.04. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR3.95 billion ($1.05 billion), as 102 of the listed stocks advanced, while 147 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased, up 0.54 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 1,467.06. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 85.41 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 23,357.50. This comes as 19 of the listed stocks advanced, while 46 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Tourism Enterprise Co., with its share price surging by 10 percent to SR13.53. 

Other top performers included Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co., which saw its share price rise by 8.64 percent to SR39.22, and Anaam International Holding Group, which saw a 4.05 percent increase to SR12.59. 

Alramz Real Estate Co. saw its share price rising by 3.95 percent to close at SR61.85, while Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co. closed at SR18.08, marking a 3.67 percent increase in share price. 

On the downside, the worst performer of the day was Saudi Industrial Export Co., whose share price fell by 3.72 percent to SR2.59. 

ACWA Power Co. saw its share price fall 3.54 percent to SR177.20, while Naseej International Trading Co. declined 3.08 percent to SR29.56. 

Moreover, the share price of Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co. dropped 2.95 percent to close at SR6.57, while Nice One Beauty Digital Marketing Co. saw its share price dropping 2.65 percent to SR17.97. 

On the announcement front, Alinma Capital has declared a cash dividend distribution totaling SR6.55 million for unitholders of the Alinma Saudi Government Sukuk ETF Fund.  

The dividend, covering the period from July to December 2025, amounts to SR0.162 per unit and represents approximately 1.56 percent of the fund’s net asset value as of Jan. 15, 2026.  

Its share price closed at SR10.42 on the main market, marking a 0.10 percent increase. 

Also, Itmam Consultancy Co. has been awarded a significant project by the Digital Government Authority to develop digital investment skills within the public sector.  

The contract, officially granted on Jan. 19, is valued at more than 5 percent of the company’s total 2024 revenue.  

According to a statement, the program aims to equip government employees with the expertise needed to enhance digital government investment efficiency, focusing on software license development aligned with legal and technical standards.  

Its share price remained unchanged on NOMU at SR16.40.