WEF24: Pragmatic actions to help in carbon neutrality

• Technology investment and corporate partnerships can play a crucial role in driving significant emission reduction, Hans Kobler of Energy Impact Partners tells TRENDS.
• He stresses the need for concrete action, emphasizing the importance of pragmatic strategies and sustained investment to overcome the challenges of climate finance.

Qatar minister urges Gaza ceasefire to end Red Sea insecurity

• Many companies have chosen to divert their vessels to avoid the Red Sea
• US and UK strikes on Houthi targets have failed to halt the rebel attacks

China maintains basic balance in international payments in 2023

• China's foreign-exchange regulator said the ratio of the current account surplus to gross domestic product was 1.5 percent last year
• The administration's data shows the surplus under trade in goods came in at $608bn last year, the second highest level in the history

Saudi stock market hits 12,500 points, highest since August 2020

• The increase can be attributed to the positive momentum generated by the disclosure of financial results, the majority of which met anticipated outcomes
• The gains in the Agriculture & Food, Building & Construction and Hotels & Tourism sectors also led shares higher

UAE achieves a milestone in economic diversification

• Despite a global trade decline, the UAE records significant growth in non-oil foreign trade.
• CEPA program expands UAE's trade network, enhancing market access and opportunities.

Saudi holdings of US Treasuries surge to $131.9b in December 2023

• The Kingdom maintained 16th place among the largest holders of US treasury securities for December.
• Saudi Arabia’s holdings of US Treasuries were distributed among long-term and short-term bonds.

KSA seeks to lead global sustainability drive with Alat

• Led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Alat is poised to revolutionize the tech sector, aiming for carbon neutrality and creating thousands of jobs.
• Alat, with its seven strategic units like semiconductors and smart devices, aims to innovate in over 30 categories, from robotics to heavy equipment, serving diverse industries.

Roadmap out for environmental education, sustainable development at WEEC2024

35 Jordanian companies to participate in Gulfood 2024 in Dubai

• The Jordan Exporters Association is coordinating the country's participation in the event.
• JEA is coordinating local participation in the exhibition for the 20th consecutive time.

WTO chief insists global trade body still counts

• World Trade Organization is hoping for results from its 13th ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi, particularly on fishing, agriculture and electronic commerce
• WTO chief said the meeting to be tough due to the "economic and political headwinds", from Ukraine war, the attacks in the Red Sea and economic difficulties in Europe and China