Saudi, Japan discuss ties at Vision 2030 business forum in Tokyo
Saudi, Japan discuss ties at Vision 2030 business forum in Tokyo/node/2514121/saudi-arabia
Saudi, Japan discuss ties at Vision 2030 business forum in Tokyo
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Ƶ-Japan Vision 2030 Business Forum set to discuss ways to boost trade, investment and cultural ties. (Supplied)
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Ƶ-Japan Vision 2030 Business Forum set to discuss ways to boost trade, investment and cultural ties. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 May 2024
Arab News Japan
Saudi, Japan discuss ties at Vision 2030 business forum in Tokyo
Focus on mutual investment growth, says Saudi official
Manufacturing, entertainment and health are key areas
Updated 21 May 2024
Arab News Japan
TOKYO: The Ƶ-Japan Vision 2030 Business Forum took place in Tokyo on Tuesday with over 300 industry officials and leaders discussing ways to boost trade, investment and cultural ties.
In her keynote speech, Sara Al-Sayed, Ƶ’s deputy minister of international partnerships at the Ministry of Investment, outlined plans for further collaboration between the two nations.
“Under the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030, we aim to take this partnership to a new level,” she said. “We want to leverage our mutual strengths, drive sustainable mutual economic growth, enhance technological innovation, and promote cultural exchange. We will be able to unlock the potential to expand the Japan partnership to be a key driver of growth.”
She added: “We have noticed in the last decade the strength of the partnership between Ƶ and Japan. Over the last decade alone, the number of companies that have been established in Ƶ by the Japanese has doubled and we have over 50 headquarters that have been established in Ƶ. This forum will act as a catalyst to accelerate this growth and translate interest into investment.”
Ƶ’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry SAITO Ken attended the forum, each giving a speech commemorating the relationship between the two nations.
Saito said the Japanese government will extend its maximum support to expand business with Ƶ, while Prince Abdulaziz said the Kingdom “will bring collaborations to the forefront and will make sure that in all of the forums, we advocate the same aspirations in the national transition process attending to energy requirements.”
Al-Falih said in his closing remarks that the Kingdom’s non-oil income has “doubled and is looking for an accumulated investment of over $3 trillion that offers big chances to Japanese.”
He added that Ƶ has a “bubble of projects as it will host expo 2030 in Riyadh.”
Ƶ will also host the Winter Olympics in NEOM, and the World Cup 2034, that offers investment chances for the Japanese companies to participate, he explained.
Sessions at the forum included “Forging stronger manufacturing collaboration between KSA and Japan,” “Collaboration in the new era of sustainability and circular economy,” “Reinventing entertainment and gaming industries across borders,” and “Expanding the area of cooperation in healthcare.”
Additionally, the forum hosted a “Digital Entertainment Roundtable,” to discuss Ƶ’s efforts to build a local gaming industry, which includes localizing Japanese games for the Saudi market, collaborating with esports tournament organizers, and investing in the digital entertainment sector.
Ƶ’s Minister of Communications and Information, Abdallah Alswaha, and Minister of Investment attended the roundtable, with the former giving a short speech during the opening.
Ƶ’s gaming sector is expected to grow to 1.3 billion dollars in the next two years, with 58 gaming companies operating in the Kingdom. 67% of Ƶ’s population (around 24.8 million people) are active video game players.
The Kingdom will be hosting this year’s Esports World Cup in July and will be giving away approximately $60 million in prize money to further grow the gaming sector.
Ƶ has previously collaborated with Japanese companies, which have provided the Kingdom with expertise, knowledge, and cutting-edge technologies to improve the overall quality of projects and elevate the reputation of the digital entertainment industry.
Riyadh Zoo returns with new interactive experiences as part of Riyadh Season
Entry is free for all, visitors can book tickets through the webook platform
Updated 1 min 32 sec ago
Hajar AlQusayer
RIYADH: Home to more than 1,400 animals from 190 species, Riyadh Zoo is back for its third year as part of Riyadh Season, offering visitors of all ages new interactive and educational experiences.
Beginning Oct. 30, the zoo opened its doors to the public free of charge. Visitors can book tickets through the webook platform and explore a variety of animals in natural habitats that mimic their original environments.
Among the new experiences is “Croc Cave,” where guests can safely observe crocodiles from secure platforms. The “Bird Zone” features a range of exotic birds, allowing visitors to engage with them up close and even feed them. Another highlight is the “Kangaroo Yard,” where guests can interact with and take photos of the famous Australian animals.
A new bird show has also been introduced, where trained birds perform entertaining and skilful tricks and routines, delighting the audience. The zoo’s educational offerings have been enhanced with an interactive farm experience, allowing visitors to learn more about nature and animal life through hands-on activities.
Riyadh Zoo operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans 161,000 square meters. The venue also includes food stalls and mobile food trucks to cater to visitors throughout the day.
Located in Al-Malaz neighborhood, it is one of the key attractions of Riyadh Season.
Seung-Min shin, a frequent visitor at the zoo, told Arab News she had taken her son who was deeply interested in the animals’ various behaviors.
“The flying birds and the absence of cages for each animal — where we can go inside and touch them — that’s the beauty here,” she added.
Visitor Fatima Hashim, emphasized the educational value for young visitors on offer, saying: “Seeing animals in real life helps children learn about animals, their nature, habitats, and the different types of mammals and birds. The experience was wonderful … the staff at the zoo focused on teaching children how to feed the animals, helping them have the full experience.”
According to Riyadh Zoo’s website, several rare and endangered animals have been born so far at the site, and the zoo also witnessed the Gulf’s first animal birth by cesarean section.
Riyadh Zoo’s layout includes zones designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, with fewer stairs and more flat surfaces, allowing everyone to explore the park with ease and enjoy a complete experience.
Riyadh Zoo was originally established in 1957 as a private menagerie for King Saud and the Saudi royal family. It opened to the public in 1987.
How Ƶ is helping to drive equitable energy transitions in Africa
Saudi ‘Empowering Africa’ initiative bridges energy inequality through leveraging the continent’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower
The initiative aims to uplift communities and foster sustainable growth by reducing reliance on imported fuels and building local infrastructure
Updated 9 min 22 sec ago
Manal Albarakati
BAKU: As world leaders at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, discuss the responsibility of developed nations to finance climate action in vulnerable regions, South-South cooperation is emerging as a transformative force driving equitable energy transitions.
Ƶ has established itself as a leader in this collaboration between countries in the Global South, leveraging its resources, expertise, and strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential and shape a more sustainable future.
In November last year, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed groundbreaking memorandums of understanding with five African nations — Ethiopia, Senegal, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
The agreements, finalized during the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh, aim to strengthen collaboration in oil, gas, and renewables, representing a holistic approach to energy development.
“These partnerships symbolize more than economic exchanges; they represent our shared commitment to sustainable growth,” Prince Abdulaziz said at the event. “Africa’s energy potential is vast, and Ƶ is committed to supporting its development for mutual prosperity.”
The five agreements align with Africa’s distinct energy opportunities. For instance, Ethiopia seeks to bolster its hydropower infrastructure, while Rwanda is focused on advancing innovation in oil demand management and integrating renewable energy.
These MoUs also emphasize Ƶ’s role in supporting localized solutions in line with global climate goals.
To bridge the energy equity gap on the African continent, Ƶ’s Ministry of Energy last year introduced the Empowering Africa initiative. The project leverages Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower resources to provide clean and reliable electricity to underserved regions.
This effort plays a key role in improving energy access in areas where electricity deficits hinder economic development and quality of life.
DID YOUKNOW?
• Africa has 10 TW of untapped solar energy and 350 GW of hydroelectric power.
• Continent posses more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a vital mineral for green technologies.
According to a 2022 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 75 percent of the world’s population without access to electricity, making it the most energy-deficient continent.
The African Development Bank recently noted that Africa needs $130-170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, facing a financing shortfall of up to $108 billion.
Abid Malik, the geo head for Central Asia at the Saudi energy leader ACWA Power, said the projects associated with the Empowering Africa initiative “aren’t just about power” but also focus on “community upliftment and sustainable growth.”
On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Malik told Arab News: “By reducing dependency on imported fuels and creating local infrastructure, these efforts provide resilience against global energy volatility.”
African countries also have more than a fifth of the world’s reserves in minerals critical for the energy transition, according to the UN Trade and Development.
These minerals, including cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, make the continent crucial to the global renewable energy supply chain. Such resources are foundational to technologies like electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.
Despite this, much of Africa’s value-added manufacturing in green technology occurs elsewhere, and the continent captures less than half of its potential revenue from minerals.
Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of UNCTAD, has warned that critical minerals could create a “development trap” for resource-rich, vulnerable countries due to commodity dependence.
She stressed the urgent need for these nations, which rely on raw materials for most of their export revenue, to move up global value chains.
Ƶ has therefore prioritized partnerships that tap into Africa’s rich mineral resources while fostering localized value creation.
“These collaborations are about ensuring Africa benefits from its own resources,” said Malik of ACWA Power. “The focus is not just on extraction but on building industries that create jobs, generate revenue, and drive technological innovation.”
One such cooperation with Chad aims to integrate solar technology into existing energy frameworks while developing mining infrastructure to support critical mineral extraction. These efforts reflect a forward-looking strategy that aligns African nations with the Paris Agreement while driving economic growth.
Opinion
This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)
Indeed, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change focuses on the development of carbon markets, which are carbon pricing mechanisms allowing governments as well as non-state actors to trade greenhouse gas emission credits.
Under this article, parties can voluntarily cooperate to meet emission reduction targets outlined in their nationally determined contributions. This allows a party to transfer carbon credits earned through emissions reductions to help others achieve their climate goals.
And as financing gaps remain a key challenge hampering progress in the Global South, Ƶ is leading efforts to deploy innovative mechanisms, including voluntary carbon markets.
Riham El-Gizy, the CEO of Ƶ’s Voluntary Carbon Markets Company, stressed the significance of directing climate finance to Africa.
“Only 2 percent of global climate finance reaches the Global South. This needs to change,” El-Gizy told Arab News at COP29.
Although Africa accounts for nine of the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, the continent receives a mere 3-4 percent of global climate finance, according to the African Development Bank.
To boost funding for local African communities, Saudi-backed initiatives, through voluntary carbon markets, are enabling the continent’s countries to monetize their carbon reduction efforts.
“By providing a platform for rural renewable energy projects, we’re creating a pipeline for funding that directly benefits local communities,” said El-Gizy.
This approach not only reduces emissions but also empowers rural areas with much-needed resources, bridging gaps in both finance and energy access.
Ƶ’s leadership in South-South cooperation offers a roadmap for inclusive energy transitions. Its strategy, spanning renewable energy, critical minerals, and carbon markets, underscores the power of equitable partnerships in addressing the climate crisis.
As COP29 unfolds, the emphasis on South-South collaboration reaffirms that Africa’s potential as a renewable energy leader can only be realized through partnerships that prioritize shared growth.
Ƶ’s investments in Africa showcase how collaboration can drive sustainable development, paving the way for a cleaner, more inclusive global energy future.
Saudi-French Ministerial Committee holds second meeting to discuss AlUla
The meeting discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas including archaeology, sports, arts, development, and construction
Updated 25 sec ago
SPA
PARIS: The Saudi-French Ministerial Committee held its second meeting in Paris on Friday in the presence of Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the agreements signed between the two sides and its achievements thus far in transforming AlUla into a global tourist destination and cultural hub.
The meeting also discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas including archaeology, sports, arts, development, and construction.
The meeting was attended by the Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih; Saudi Ambassador to France Fahad Al-Ruwaili; and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla Abeer AlAkel.
The program exemplifies Ƶ’s broader humanitarian mission in the region through its relief arm, KSrelief
Updated 57 sec ago
SPA
AMMAN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed its latest round of monthly stipends to orphaned children from underprivileged Jordanian and Syrian refugee families across Jordan’s regions of Karak, Tafila, Maan and Aqaba.
Working with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, the Saudi aid agency provided year-long support covering basic living expenses, educational materials, Eid clothing and recreational activities. The program aims to eventually support 1,000 orphans across Jordan.
Beneficiaries are selected from both local Jordanian communities and Syrian refugee populations, ensuring aid reaches those most in need.
The program exemplifies Ƶ’s broader humanitarian mission in the region through its relief arm, KSrelief.
The course also included how to plan and execute outdoor trips
Updated 15 November 2024
SPA
RIYADH: Forty scouts from various sectors of the Ƶn Boy Scout Association completed the Wood Badge advanced course, with an average of 27 hours of training in theoretical and practical aspects.
The course, organized by Masar Development Association in Al-Ahsa, included working on the role, responsibilities, duties and needs of the scout unit leader and methods and means for training boys, as well as leadership concepts, patterns and theories.
It also covered public relations, scouting and boys’ development, problem-solving methods, youth participation in decision-making, planning methods, tools and techniques, the concept, styles and theories of scouting, protection from harm, and resource development.
The course also included how to plan and execute outdoor trips, including methods for navigation, setting up tents, secret signs, codes, map drawing, estimations, outdoor cooking, organized hiking, and report writing.