VENICE: Finance ministers from the G20 richest nations resumed discussions in Venice on Saturday to give the green light to a historic deal to tax multinational companies more fairly.
The framework for reform, including a minimum global corporate tax rate of 15 percent, was agreed by 131 countries earlier this month and could be in place by 2023.
Hailed by those involved as historic, it aims to prevent a race to the bottom as countries compete to offer the lowest tax rates to attract investment, with many multinationals as a result paying derisory levels of tax.
“This minimum tax on companies must be ambitious,” French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told AFP on Friday, adding that the meeting of the G20 — the countries with the 19 biggest economies and the European Union — represented a unique opportunity.
The countries representing 85 percent of global wealth were seeking a deal “for the 21st century, which will allow for the fair taxation of digital giants which largely escape taxation, which nobody can accept,” he said.
Final agreement on the minimum rate is not expected until the run-up to the G20 leaders’ summit in Rome in October.
But the Venice talks are an opportunity to thrash out further details and exert pressure on those who have not yet signed up to the deal, struck under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) — a club of 38 wealthy economies.
The United States, France and Germany are among several countries pressing for a higher rate, while aid agencies including Oxfam also argue that 15 percent is too low.
But with some nations opposed even to this — EU member Ireland lured Apple and Google to Dublin with its low tax rates — there is not likely to be any change to the rate.
“We are really now on the way” to a deal that “will be finalized shortly,” German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz told CNBC television.
The minimum rate is expected to affect fewer than 10,000 major companies, those with an annual turnover of more than 750 million euros ($890 million).
It is one of two so-called pillars of global tax reform that have been under negotiation for years, and have been given new impetus under US President Joe Biden.
The other would give countries the right to tax multinationals on profits they earn from their activities in the nation, and would initially apply to the top 100 or so companies.
It is targeted at technology giants such as Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple, but could also affect companies like energy giant BP, which is present in 85 countries.
According to a draft obtained by AFP of the final statement, which is still being discussed, the G20 ministers will “endorse” the OECD’s “historic agreement on a more stable and fairer international tax architecture.”
G20 ministers set to green light global tax reform
https://arab.news/8z49z
G20 ministers set to green light global tax reform
- The framework for reform, including a minimum global corporate tax rate of 15 percent, was agreed by 131 countries earlier this month and could be in place by 2023
Oil Updates — crude inches higher in thin trade, investors focus on China, US data
SINGAPORE: Oil prices edged up on Monday in thin holiday trade ahead of the year-end as traders awaited more Chinese and US economic data later this week to assess growth in the world’s two largest oil consumers, according to Reuters.
Brent crude futures rose 5 cents to $74.22 a barrel by 07:30 a.m. Saudi time while the more active March contract was at $73.82 a barrel, up 3 cents.
US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 3 cents to $70.63 a barrel.
Both contracts rose about 1.4 percent last week buoyed by a larger-than-expected drawdown from US crude inventories in the week ended Dec. 20 as refiners ramped up activity and the holiday season boosted fuel demand.
Oil prices were also supported by optimism for Chinese economic growth next year that could lift demand from the top crude oil importing nation.
To revive growth, Chinese authorities have agreed to issue a record 3 trillion yuan ($411 billion) in special treasury bonds in 2025, Reuters reported last week.
“Global oil consumption reached an all-time high in 2024 despite China underperforming expectations, and oil stockpiles are heading into next year at relatively low levels,” said Ryan Fitzmaurice, senior commodity strategist at Marex.
“Going forward, China economic data is expected to improve as the recent stimulus measures take hold in 2025. Also, lower rates in the US and elsewhere should be supportive of oil consumption.”
China has also issued at least 152.49 million metric tonnes of crude oil import quotas to independent refiners in a second batch for 2025 so far, trade sources said on Monday.
Separately, the World Bank has raised its forecast for China’s economic growth in 2024 and 2025, but warned that subdued household and business confidence, along with headwinds in the property sector, would remain a drag next year.
Investors are eyeing China’s PMI factory surveys due on Tuesday and the US ISM survey for December to be released on Friday.
In Europe, hopes for a new deal to transit Russian gas through Ukraine are fading after Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that there was no time left this year to sign a new deal.
The loss of piped Russian gas should see Europe import more liquefied natural gas, analysts said.
Saudi Arabia’s NIDLP surpasses half of Vision 2030 targets shead of schedule
RIYADH:Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program has already achieved more than half of its targets well in advance of the Vision 2030 deadline, according to Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.
Speaking at the NIDLP Annual Ceremony 2024, the minister said that 13 out of the program’s 23 targets have been successfully met, with the remaining goals on track for completion.
Prince Abdulaziz attributed the program’s success to a robust action plan and effective collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and NIDLP.
“The mechanisms adopted by NIDLP are closely aligned with those of the Ministry of Energy, allowing for strong, collaborative outcomes,” he explained.
The minister also underscored that the program's achievements extend beyond the energy sector, positively impacting multiple other sectors involved in the initiative.
He highlighted the critical role played by human talent within NIDLP and the energy system, which has been essential in supporting energy security, enhancing supply chain resilience, and driving sustainability.
These efforts are key to realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in industrial development and logistics.
During his speech, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, who also chairs the NIDLP Program Committee, shared further program highlights.
He noted that the sectors targeted by the initiative contributed SR433 billion ($115.3 billion) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product by the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a 2.4 percent growth compared to the previous year.
Exports from these sectors also saw a significant increase, rising by 11.1 percent from third quarter of 2023 to the same period in 2024.
Alkhorayef also highlighted the program’s impact on employment, revealing that total employment across its sectors reached 2.1 million by the third quarter of 2024. Of these, 660,000 were Saudi nationals, with women accounting for approximately 200,000 of the workforce.
Saudi industry and mineral resources ministry launches new mining innovation program
- Initiative will support digital transformation in the industrial and mining sectors
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has said it will launch a new initiative dedicated to fostering innovation in the mining and industrial sectors, according to official statements.
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced the Innovative Industrial and Mining Products Program, which is described as a significant undertaking to enhance developments and support the digital transformation of these sectors, it said on its official X account.
The authority added that the program represents “a key step toward fostering innovation in the industrial and mining sectors” and reflects its commitment to “developing innovative solutions that support the Kingdom’s industrial transformation and stimulate the growth and sustainability of the mining sector.”
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said the program seeks to “provide an integrated environment that enables innovators to transform their ideas into executable and competitive products locally and internationally.”
He added that the initiative will boost innovation, which is a key pillar of economic growth, and support digital transformation in the industrial and mining sectors, according to a tweet by the minister.
In August, the ministry said that the petrochemical sector received a boost after a digital platform delivered over 100,000 tonnes of raw materials to local factories.
Launched in mid-2023, the platform was designed to tackle challenges related to the surplus of locally available raw materials and to address competitiveness issues stemming from price disparities.
The ministry continues to implement initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, with a focus on strengthening the Kingdom’s industrial base and enhancing its global competitiveness.
In September, it launched a new program aimed at facilitating investment and acquisitions within the industrial sector. This initiative is designed to create diverse investment opportunities tailored to the specific goals of investors, while also supporting industrial companies in expanding production and addressing operational challenges, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
This program is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to boost industrial investment and foster a more attractive investment environment. It offers three key benefits: promoting acquisitions within the industrial sector, providing liquidity to industrial companies, and presenting suitable investment opportunities for potential investors.
These efforts are intended to enhance production capacity and strengthen the competitive edge of industrial enterprises in the Kingdom.
Giga-projects fueling real estate boom in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector underwent a major transformation in 2024, driven by the goals of Vision 2030. The market saw significant changes, fueled by unprecedented investments and key policy reforms. As a result, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification within the real estate industry.
Vision 2030
Since its launch in 2016, Vision 2030 has served as Saudi Arabia’s roadmap for economic diversification, with real estate playing a central role. By 2024, the Kingdom had invested SR4.9 trillion ($1.3 trillion) in infrastructure, significantly boosting residential, commercial, and hospitality capacities. Notable projects aim to introduce over a million residential units, as well as expand retail and office spaces by 7 million sq. meters each.
“Saudi Arabia’s policy reforms and investment under Vision 2030 have transformed the Kingdom’s real estate landscape, making it one of the most dynamic markets in the region,” said Tarek Lotfy, president of Mercer in India, Middle East, and Africa, in an interview with Arab News.
He emphasized that these reforms have accelerated the sector by aligning with broader initiatives to increase homeownership, improve livability, and attract foreign investments. This has been achieved through eased ownership regulations and the creation of Special Economic Zones.
FASTFACTS
By 2024, the Kingdom had invested SR4.9 trillion ($1.3 trillion) in infrastructure, significantly boosting residential, commercial, and hospitality capacities.
A 38 percent increase in real estate transactions during the first half of 2024, valued at SR127.3 billion, highlights the sector’s dynamic growth.
Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have seen rising property prices, with Riyadh expected to reach a population of 10 million by 2030.
According to Sally Menassa, partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East, these reforms have included “easing foreign ownership restrictions, enhancing transparency in real estate transactions, introducing incentives for green building practices, and establishing a national framework for smart city development.”
The establishment of a real estate transaction registry has been a particularly significant step in boosting market confidence, as it reduces the risks of fraud and increases investor trust.
Menassa further highlighted the role of mega-projects in fostering investor confidence: “The involvement of the PIF in major development projects such as the Diriyah Gate Development reassures investors of the Kingdom’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable development and the stability of such developments.”
Lotfy added that alongside these advancements, the rapid pace of development has also created challenges, including increasing competition for skilled labor in construction and smart city infrastructure.
Recruitment and retention will be key themes in 2025, as companies will need to focus on developing long-term talent strategies, investing in training, and fostering a culture that attracts and retains top-tier talent, according to Lotfy.
Catalysts for transformation
Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects, led by the Public Investment Fund, underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to large-scale innovation and ambitious transformation. High-profile projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Global are set to redefine urban living, culture, and tourism.
NEOM alone spans 28,000 sq. km and is envisioned as a smart city powered by renewable energy and cutting-edge technology. Menassa emphasized the uniqueness of NEOM, pointing to initiatives like Oxagon, a floating industrial complex designed for sustainability and advanced technologies. “This is expected to attract high-tech industries and global talent, driving demand for residential and commercial properties,” she said.
Meanwhile, Qiddiya is being developed as a world-class entertainment hub, featuring theme parks, cultural centers, and sports complexes. Menassa added that Qiddiya’s growth as a major cultural and entertainment destination would further boost tourism and the hospitality sector, creating demand for mixed-use assets that combine retail, leisure, and residential components.
The Red Sea Project is another transformative initiative focused on sustainable tourism. According to Menassa: “Focusing on eco-friendly concepts and incorporating sustainable practices in its development, starting from construction, it (The Red Sea Project) will set new standards for regenerative and sustainable tourism and real estate development.”
Residential market
Saudi Arabia’s residential sector saw substantial growth in 2024, driven by government-backed initiatives and strong demand. Programs like Sakani and the National Housing Program have been essential in advancing the Vision 2030 goal of achieving 70 percent homeownership.
Menassa underscored the significance of these efforts: “The addition of over a million homes as part of Saudi Arabia’s residential expansion efforts, aligning with the goal of achieving a 70 percent homeownership rate under Vision 2030, is expected to significantly impact homeownership rates and affordability, creating a big socio-economic shift in the nation.”
A 38 percent increase in real estate transactions during the first half of 2024, valued at SR127.3 billion, highlights the sector’s dynamic growth. Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have seen rising property prices, with Riyadh expected to reach a population of 10 million by 2030.
Hospitality and tourism
Tourism, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, has already surpassed expectations. The Kingdom achieved its target of 100 million visitors in 2023 and now aims to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030.
“The 2034 FIFA World Cup will play an instrumental role in shaping the future of the short-term rental market in Saudi Arabia over the next 10 years,” said Anna Skigin, CEO of Frank Porter, in an interview with Arab News. “We will see a significant increase in the number of properties being developed as savvy investors look to capitalize on the announcement. We will also see more people buying properties and converting these into short-term rentals,” she added.
Short-term rentals are reshaping the tourism landscape, creating new opportunities for various types of travelers. Skigin noted: “There is the opportunity for larger groups to travel — potentially multi-generational family travel and other large groups of family and friends.”
She further explained, “Short-term rentals can cater to a variety of different budgets while offering more space than hotel rooms. These rentals also provide more privacy for travelers.”
Menassa also highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and eco-friendly accommodations as part of its broader tourism strategy. Developments like Jeddah Al-Balad, Diriyah, and Qiddiya are generating demand for integrated, mixed-use assets, boosting both tourism infrastructure and the overall quality of life, she explained.
Proptech boom
Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation has positioned proptech as a key component in the evolution of its real estate sector. Innovations such as digital mortgages, AI-driven property recommendations, and virtual tours are revolutionizing the home-buying experience.
“Digital mortgages will allow streamlined processes, expediting the buying process by automating many of the steps involved, enhancing accessibility, and increasing transparency. Buyers can now compare rates, get pre-approved for loans from their homes, and explore homeownership opportunities with greater ease,” said Menassa.
She also highlighted the integration of smart city infrastructure like NEOM’s, which incorporates advanced technologies to enhance urban living.
“This also extends to urban planning and management, including advanced surveillance systems, smart street lighting, emergency response, traffic forecasting, and energy consumption management,” Menassa added.
Outlook
Despite its rapid growth, the Saudi real estate sector faces challenges such as economic volatility and rising project costs. Lotfy warned that as the Kingdom moves towards smart cities and sustainable development, the demand for advanced technical skills will increase.
However, the opportunities outweigh these challenges. Skigin concluded: “The Kingdom has been significantly pushing tourism for both international and domestic tourists,” and these efforts will continue to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector in the coming years.
Closing Bell: Saudi indices start week in green closing at 11,892
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index started the week with a 0.28 percent increase, or 33.28 points, to reach 11,892.75 points on Sunday.
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR3.5 billion ($942.7 million), as 140 of the listed stocks advanced, while 86 retreated.
The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 4.26 points, or 0.29 percent, to close at 1,494.56.
The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also increased, gaining 166.10 points, or 0.54 percent, to close at 31,052.81 points. This comes as 42 of the listed stocks advanced while as many as 34 retreated.
The index’s top performer, Buruj Cooperative Insurance Co., saw a 9.96 percent increase in its share price to close at SR20.10.
Other top performers included Arriyadh Development Co., which saw a 9.34 percent increase to SR34.55, while Wataniya Insurance Co.’s share price rose 8 percent to SR23.22.
The Mediterranean and Gulf Insurance and Reinsurance Co. also recorded a positive trajectory, with share prices rising 7.66 percent to reach SR26.70. Retal Urban Development Co. also witnessed positive gains, with 6.16 percent reaching SR16.20.
Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. saw the steepest decline on TASI, with its share price slipping 4 percent to SR0.48.
Saudi Cable Co. followed with a 2.94 percent decline to SR99.20. Almarai Co. also saw a drop of 2.46 percent to settle at SR55.50.
Saudi Industrial Development Co.’s share also fell by 2.41 percent to settle at SR28.40, and Anaam International Holding Group’s decreased by 2.31 percent to sit at SR1.27.
In Nomu, Miral Dental Clinics Co. was the best performer, with its share price rising by 7.47 percent to reach SR112.20.
Among the gainers, United Mining Industries Co. saw its share price rise by 6.08 percent, reaching SR41.90, while Aqaseem Factory for Chemicals and Plastics Co. recorded a 5.65 percent increase, standing at SR8.41.
Meyar Co. also fared well, with a 5.58 percent increase, and Arabian Plastic Industrial Co. rose by 4.65 percent.
Alhasoob Co. shed the most in Nomu, with its share price dropping by 8.68 percent to reach SR61.
Arabian Food and Dairy Factories Co. experienced a 7.71 percent decline in share prices, closing at SR85, while Bena Steel Industries Co. dropped 7.61 percent to settle at SR38.25.
Lana Medical Co. and Arabian United Float Glass Co. were also among the top decliners, with Lana Medical Co. falling 4.07 and Arabian United Float Glass Co. declining 3.80 percent.
