The 4th US-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum held in Riyadh recently brought together government and business leaders from the United States and Saudi Arabia and demonstrated the commitment between our countries and companies to advance the US-Saudi commercial relationship. It is clear that we have a strong foundation to build upon and we are deeply vested in each other’s success.
At the forum, we shared observations, based on experiences around the world, on how investment is facilitated by trade, innovation, competitiveness and government policies.
We have observed that investment follows trade.
When conditions exist for trade to flourish, with low barriers and efficient processes, investments follow.
When companies successfully sell into a market, they want to stay close to their customers and naturally follow on to establish a presence by investing and innovating in the market.
In Saudi Arabia, I saw an excellent example, at the Dhahran Techno Valley Company (DTVC) in Dhahran, of the US and other international companies that have made investments to be close to their customers, in particular Saudi Aramco.
These companies have setup research and development (R&D) operations here to innovate and meet the needs of their customers, tailored to the conditions of Saudi Arabia.
By creating an innovation-friendly ecosystem, including university connections as well as access to research grants, DTVC promotes talent development and capacity building — and enhances the innovation and competitiveness of the companies that invest.
Through hiring local graduates, many of them women with STEM backgrounds, the talent base developed will be a key factor in attracting new investments.
In any market, the business environment, the ease of doing business, is key to attract investment. Companies have choices and gravitate to those countries where the business environment is the most conducive to obtaining returns and managing risk.
Delays and uncertainties in administrative processes are deterrents to investment.
Concrete policy changes that improve the business environment are therefore a significant element in attracting investment.
Toward this end, we find it valuable for policymakers to obtain early input from private sector stakeholders. Such consultation will help create greater understanding of issues that might hinder investment and a sense of greater predictability.
The global competition for attracting FDI is fierce. Saudi Arabia would benefit by using work force development programs to match Saudization labor policies so that the skill-set of the labor force will meet the needs of international firms.
Investment opportunities may be inhibited rather than helped by offset requirements that make foreign investment a requirement of eligibility for major public tenders. Such a requirement may result in keeping many companies away from this market.
We laud Saudi Arabia’s economic reforms and commitment toward ensuring the long-term health of its economy. The Kingdom has demonstrated real leadership in undertaking energy subsidy reforms.
We also recognize the challenges Saudi Arabia faces when rolling out the National Transformation Program (NTP). The US government and its private sector stand ready to support the Kingdom through lessons learned, solutions and technologies, and best practices to attract investment and innovation.
We are already working on coupling Saudi Arabia’s new needs and priorities with leading American solutions. For example, last October, we brought representatives from 15 US firms to Riyadh and Jeddah as part of an architecture and engineering trade mission focused on energy saving and green buildings.
Next month, we will bring 20 leading American health IT, hospital management and training to the Kingdom in a direct response to Health Minister Khalid Al-Falih’s call for a greater role by the private sector to modernize the operational side of Saudi Arabia’s health care system.
These trade missions often result in partnerships, joint ventures and investments as these companies understand the market.
The US is also keen to share its experiences in enabling entrepreneurship with the Kingdom as this country embarks on its NTP.
Supporting entrepreneurs across the Middle East, and indeed around the world, is a top priority for President Barack Obama. He recognizes that opportunity for business creators to thrive around the world is the foundation for a rising middle class, for security and stability, and for broad-based prosperity.
The Department of Commerce leads the administration’s effort to support and empower aspiring entrepreneurs, both in the United States and across the globe. As America’s innovation agency, my department helps connect the world’s next generation of entrepreneurs with the networks, mentors and investors they need to make their businesses successful.
Investment in both directions will enhance the international competitiveness of our respective economies. While we are undertaking efforts to expand our trade and investment relationship, US companies have already invested $11 billion in the Kingdom, and Saudi companies have similarly invested $13 billion in the United States.
We welcome additional Saudi investment in the US companies and find that by investing in the United States and working with its demanding markets and gaining access to the latest technologies, they become more competitive globally.
We will hold our annual SelectUSA Investment Summit from June 19-21 in Washington, with the participation of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and a number of cabinet members.
We welcome a strong Saudi presence at the conference.
We look forward to collaborating with our friends in this great Kingdom to advance our commercial relationships and the successes of our companies and countries.
— Arun M. Kumar is director general of the US and Foreign Commercial Service and Assistant Secretary for Global Markets US Department of Commerce.
Deepening Saudi-US Business partnership through investment
Deepening Saudi-US Business partnership through investment
Saudi crude exports reach 9-month high: JODI
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s crude exports reached 6.41 million barrels per day in March, according to an analysis from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative.
This figure increased by 96,000 bpd, or 1.52 percent, compared to the previous month, marking a nine-month high.
Furthermore, the data indicated that the Kingdom’s crude production fell to 8.97 million bpd, reflecting a monthly decrease of 0.42 percent.
This can be linked to the voluntary oil production cuts adopted by members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, known as OPEC+. Saudi Arabia announced in March the extension of its 1 million bpd cut, initially implemented in July 2023, until the end of the second quarter of 2024.
The Ministry of Energy said that the Kingdom’s production will be approximately 9 million bpd until the end of June.
Meanwhile, refinery crude output, representing the processed volume of crude oil yielding gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heating oil, fell by 4 percent compared to the previous month, reaching 2.56 million bpd, according to JODI data.
Saudi Arabia’s direct burn of crude oil, which involves using oil without substantial refining processes, decreased by 53,000 bpd in March, representing a 14.7 percent fall compared to the preceding month. The total direct burn for the month amounted to 307,000 bpd.
The Ministry of Energy aims to enhance the contributions of natural gas and renewable sources as part of the Kingdom’s goal to achieve an optimal, highly efficient, and cost-effective energy mix.
This involves replacing liquid fuel with natural gas and integrating renewables to constitute approximately 50 percent of the electricity production energy mix by 2030.
Oil Updates – prices fall on demand fears over Fed’s rates path
TOKYO: Oil prices extended losses in Asia trade on Tuesday, with investors anticipating lingering US inflation and higher interest rates to depress consumer and industrial demand, according to Reuters.
Brent crude futures fell 57 cents, or 0.68 percent, to $83.14 a barrel by 9:13 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 58 cents, or 0.73 percent, to $79.22 a barrel.
Both benchmarks fell less than 1 percent on Monday as US Federal Reserve officials said they were awaiting more signs of slowing inflation before considering interest rate cuts.
“Fears of weaker demand led to selling as the prospect of Fed rate cut became more distant,” said analyst Toshitaka Tazawa at Fujitomi Securities.
Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said on Monday it was too early to tell whether the inflation slowdown is “long lasting,” while Vice Chair Michael Barr said restrictive policy needs more time. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said it will “take a while” for the central bank to be confident that a price growth slowdown is sustainable.
All in all, the Fed officials’ comments pointed to interest rates staying higher for longer than markets expect. That has implications for the oil market as higher borrowing costs tie up funds in a blow to economic growth and demand for crude.
On the other hand, the market appeared little affected by political uncertainty in two major oil-producing countries.
“While there has been an upmove over some uncertainty in Iran, prices have since pared back some gains, as investors price for the status-quo in terms of policies for now and that any wider regional conflict remains off the table,” IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong said in an email to Reuters.
Investors are focusing on supply from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its affiliates, together known as OPEC+. They are scheduled to meet on June 1 to set output policy, including whether to extend some members’ 2.2 million barrels per day of voluntary cuts.
“Prices remain in wait for a catalyst to drive a breakout of the current range, with eyes still on any geopolitical developments, along with oil inventories data this week,” IG’s Yeap said.
OPEC+ could extend some voluntary output cuts if demand fails to pick up, people with knowledge of the matter previously told Reuters.
Wizz Air aims to expand connections, attract more tourists into Saudi Arabia, says senior executive
RIYADH: Low-cost carrier Wizz Air plans to invest over half a billion dollars in flight operations in Saudi Arabia to enhance connectivity and attract more tourists, according to the airline’s president.
In an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the Future Aviation Forum, Robert Carey emphasized the impact on tourism, noting that inbound visitors typically stay for three to seven days and spend money on various services like hotels, car rentals, and food.
“We’ve invested over half $1 billion into our flying in the Kingdom so far. we’re going to keep growing that. I think we’ve got a lot to do. Just keep connecting the destinations we’ve already got, connect more of those points together,” Carey said.
Wizz Air is the third-largest low-cost carrier in Europe and the fifth-largest airline e-commerce site globally. It aims to bring more tourists to Saudi Arabia and enhance its accessibility, with plans to continue connecting existing destinations and expand further.
“We’re operating to seven different destinations from Saudi Arabia. We have four points here. You know, we’re seeing really great consumer response to this. Roughly two to one external like people coming into the Kingdom versus people leaving the Kingdom, on trips,” Carey said.
He added: “But that’s giving a great benefit. We’ve got tourists coming in. We’re giving access to Saudi customers who have travel.”
He also expresses the airline’s positive passenger experience, praising the airline’s clean, new planes, welcoming flight crew, and on-time scheduling.
Additionally, Carey stated that Wizz is working with the minister of tourism, the minister of transport, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the Saudi Tourism Authority on their connectivity program.
“If you look at the airline planning season, we’re just coming up on the period where everybody starts announcing what they’re going to do for this winter, so all I’ll say for right now is stay tuned. There’s more to come,” he said.
Carey noted that Wizz Air celebrated its 20th birthday this week, and to mark this milestone, the airline will launch a special promotion on May 21.
He hints that the promotion will be closely related to the anniversary, suggesting significant discounts on every flight. They encourage people to visit the website to take advantage of the upcoming offers.
AI to help optimize Saudi aviation supply chain management: official
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry’s supply chain management is set to receive a boost thanks to the use of artificial intelligence in logistics, a top official said.
Speaking on the first day of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh on Monday, Suliman Almazroua, CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, said that AI implementation will also enhance productivity and customer experience.
“AI in logistics, for example, is shaping and optimizing the supply chain management, improving productivity, productivity maintenance, and enhancing customer experience,” he said.
The official said the rapid technological advancements are reshaping the future of industries.
The CEO highlighted the Saudi aviation sector’s achievements in terms of increased number of passengers, cargo handling, fleet expansion, rise in infrastructure investment, and global connectivity.
Addressing the forum, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, director general and CEO of Airports Council International shed light on how the aviation industry suffered from different crises.
“I remember from 9/11 to (the 2008) financial crisis to SARS to COVID-19, we always faced an issue, but we are a very resilient industry and we always come back,” Oliveira noted.
He said: “That’s why when you talk about macroeconomic stuff, we see that geopolitical risks are something that can affect us. That we have the inflation going up, of course, affects our business as well. We have the interest rates that affect our GDP.”
“But it is incredible that even considering all these headwinds, the unemployment rate is going down and people are eager to travel,” Oliveira justified.
He also talked about how jet fuel prices, which are the main cost for the industry, are very high nowadays.
“Of course, this affects our ability to fly and also affects the cost of the tickets,” Oliveira said.
Stefan Schulte, CEO of Fraport AG in Germany, clarified that the focus on innovation, sustainability, and connecting people and culture resembled the beginning of a new era.
“The expectations of our customers are constantly increasing. They want consistent, digitalized, resilient, and seamless processes, but they also want us to go green,” Schulte said.
Organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the three-day event will see discussions on issues related to the global flight sector, air transport, and environmental sustainability in civil aviation, as well as talks on enabling advanced air transport and enhancing global connectivity.
The event also aligns with the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leader in the sector within a decade, including securing $100 billion worth of investments by 2030.
Electric passenger drones set for a year-end launch in Saudi Arabia, says Front End CEO
RIYADH: Electric passenger drones are set to be launched in Saudi Arabia by the end of this year with Alkhobar-based firm Front End set to introduce the service to the Kingdom, revealed its CEO.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the Future Aviation Forum, Majed Al-Ghaslan, who is also the chairman of the company, stated that Front End’s collaboration with the Chinese electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle developer EHang is facilitating the deployment of such electric flights in the Kingdom.
Al-Ghaslan said: “We’re pushing the boundary of air traffic, also urban traffic management systems. So we’re discussing this with the Civil Aviation Authority (General Authority of Civil Aviation) here in the Kingdom. We’re very closely aligned with the Ministry of Transport.”
He added: “We have electric buses and cars now; you’re going to have electric flights for passengers. And this is already running in many cities around the world. We want Riyadh and the major cities around the Kingdom to be the first as well. The idea is to launch the pilots this year and hopefully start launching this service as well this year.”
The official also added that the deployment of these electric drones, capable of carrying passengers, in the Kingdom is very feasible, as such services are running effectively in countries like China, Indonesia, and Japan.
During the talk, he revealed that these proposed electric flights, which take off vertically, can be used for both carrying passengers and for logistics purposes.
According to Al-Ghaslan, these flights are capable of traveling up to 30 minutes with two passengers, and with more advanced batteries, the distance can be extended further.
He explained, “You can do a 30-minute flight, but still, 30 minutes is a long flight. For example, in Riyadh, you can cover end to end because you are going direct path to anywhere, with two passengers. So you can take up to 250 kilograms. And then with more advanced batteries, the distance can be even higher.”
The official added that the drones capable of carrying passengers, which will be introduced in Saudi Arabia, will be autonomous and will operate using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
Discussing Front End’s eagerness to enter the air mobility sector, Al-Ghaslan noted that the Kingdom’s transformative Vision 2030 program has facilitated the firm’s entry into the industry.
“Typically, what we do is partner with and localize companies, bringing them into the Kingdom. I never thought I’d be in aviation, but because of the new frontiers that include electric vehicles that vertically take off and land, and advancements in passenger-level drones, that is our interest. We run drone services for our clients, but we are now getting into the air mobility sector,” said Al-Ghaslan.
He added, “The Vision 2030 program actually enabled this transformation to take place, and there are now national-level strategies. We are at the forefront of making it happen from the private sector at least.”
The official also noted that Front End is planning to introduce a ride-hailing service in Saudi Arabia using a fleet of electric vehicles, under a partnership with an Indian company named Blue Smart.
“We’re also launching a ride-hailing service. So, this is something we’re also going to be announcing at the right time, again, electric. So, our theme is around sustainability as well. It’s a company from India called Blue Smart. And this is also going to be announced this year,” he concluded.
