New $80m fund to bridge Chinese industry and key Saudi sectors

The agreement was signed at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. Supplied
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Updated 31 October 2025
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New $80m fund to bridge Chinese industry and key Saudi sectors

RIYADH: Digital technology, advanced manufacturing, and logistics are among the Saudi sectors set to benefit from an $80 million investment partnership between ewpartners and Chinese industrial hub Tianjin Binhai New Area.

Formalized in the presence of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund and its fund-of-funds platform Jada at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, the move aims to introduce mature Chinese industrial projects and technologies into Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

This partnership directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by leveraging Tianjin Binhai’s capabilities in alternative energy, smart manufacturing, and port logistics, combined with ewpartners’ network and investment expertise in the Middle East, according to a press release.

Jada CEO Bandr Mohammed Al-Homaly said: “Jada is committed to building a vibrant private capital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, for example through bridging global expertise with local opportunities.”

He added: “The momentum we see from the partnership between ewpartners and Tianjin Binghai New Area, across logistics and technology for instance, reflects our shared dedication to Vision 2030 and to building a thriving private capital ecosystem in the Kingdom.” 

The goal is to accelerate industrial upgrading, enhance local supply chains, and strengthen the Kingdom’s manufacturing competitiveness.

Wu Di, vice chairman of the Administrative Commission of Tianjin Binhai Hi-tech Industrial Development Area, said: “We look forward to leveraging Tianjin’s strengths in smart manufacturing, technology, and port logistics to deepen cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, and to build a long-term, open, and mutually beneficial international partnership.”

Jerry Li, co-founder and managing partner of ewpartners, said the partnership is not just about connecting capital— but bringing together industries and innovation capabilities. 

He added:: “Through this fund, we aim to bring China’s proven expertise in manufacturing and technological innovation to the Middle East, driving high-quality regional development.”

The fund marks a strategic step in strengthening industrial and investment ties between Asia and the Middle East, positioning Saudi Arabia as an emerging global hub for cross-border industrial cooperation.


Qatar, Uruguay sign investment protection and tax treaties to deepen economic ties 

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Qatar, Uruguay sign investment protection and tax treaties to deepen economic ties 

RIYADH: Qatar and Uruguay signed two economic agreements aimed at strengthening investment flows and eliminating double taxation as Doha moves to expand its network of international trade partners. 

The deals were concluded on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2025, the Qatar News Agency reported.  

The first pact, an agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments, was signed by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, and Uruguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mario Lubetkin. 

The agreements come as part of efforts to establish a modern legal framework that eases two-way investments and strengthens investor confidence. They ensure fair treatment for investors, protect them from non-commercial risks, allow free movement of funds, and adopt global best practices for dispute resolution. 

“This agreement is an important step toward expanding the horizons of economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries and opening new avenues for mutual investments, especially in vital sectors and services,” QNA reported. 

In a parallel move, the two countries also signed an agreement to eliminate double taxation on income and prevent tax evasion and avoidance. Qatar’s Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, and Lubetkin signed the document. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Al-Kuwari emphasized the importance of the tax agreement, stating: “It will contribute to supporting international transparency standards through the exchange of documented financial information, alongside strengthening bilateral economic relations between the two countries.” 

The tax treaty aims to remove all forms of double taxation, prevent tax evasion, and ensure fairness and equality in the treatment of individuals. It is also expected to bolster commercial cooperation and increase investment opportunities for both governments and private entities. 

The agreement is expected to support broader economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and create additional opportunities for mutual investment, particularly in key sectors and services. Qatar said it hopes the deal will further strengthen bilateral ties and serve the shared interests of both nations.

Following their signing, both agreements will enter into force after the completion of ratification procedures according to the domestic laws of each country. 

The signings were preceded by a meeting between Al-Thani and Lubetkin, where they reviewed cooperation in commercial, investment, and industrial fields and discussed ways to enhance and develop these relations further.