Risks are interconnected, need collaborative solutions, says WEF’s Mark Elsner
Davos, Switzerland – Mark Elsner, Head, Global Risks Initiative, World Economic Forum sat with TRENDS during WEF’s summit in Davos...Technology Business Economy Geostrategy Global
Readying for jobs of tomorrow: WEF’s Till Leopold stresses upskilling
Davos, Switzerland -- In the next five years, millions of jobs will be created. Governments, employers, and education institutions, therefore,...Technology Education Business Economy Geostrategy
Debt, trade barriers drag Asian economies in 2024, says World Bank report   Â
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast...Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast to slow to 4.5 percent this year from 5.1 percent in 2023.
A key risk is that the US Federal Reserve and other major central banks might keep interest rates higher than before the pandemic.
Economic growth in Asia forecast to slow to 4.5 percent, says World Bank
Bangkok, Thailand--Asian economies are not doing as well as they could and growth in the region is forecast to slow...A World Bank report said that policy uncertainties, trade barriers are impeding the region's economies
The report added that Asia’s economies are growing more slowly than before the Covid pandemic
Digital innovation fuels surge in Iraq’s banking sector
"These banks excel not only in financial performance but also in adapting and innovating. Through partnerships with global entities like...At the forefront of this remarkable journey are banks like the National Bank of Iraq and the Bank of Baghdad (BBOB), which have exhibited exceptional growth and profitabitability
The establishment of the "National Company for Electronic Payment Systems in Iraq" underlines the sector's proactive approach towards embracing cutting-edge technology
Saudi women’s unemployment drops to 13.7% by 4Q 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The unemployment rate among Saudi women witnessed a historic decline, plummeting to 13.7 percent in the...The unemployment rate among Saudi men remained steady at 4.6 percent during the same period
The overall unemployment rate, encompassing Saudis and non-Saudis, saw a noteworthy decrease to 4.4% in the 4th quarter
Saudi tourism hits record $36 billion inbound spending in 2023
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's tourism sector contributed to a record-breaking $36 (SR135 billion) in spending by international visitors....The Kingdom's remarkable performance in tourism was further highlighted by its leading position in the United Nations Tourism rankings for growth in international tourist arrivals
The UN's tourism report also noted a substantial rise in both inbound and domestic tourism within the Kingdom, reinforcing its reputation as a premier global tourism destination
Jordan exports pharmaceutical products worth US$874m in 2023
AMMAN, JORDAN – Products of the Kingdom’s pharmaceutical industries and medical supplies sector moved over the past quarter century to...Jordan’s pharmaceutical and medical supplies sector has succeeded in transforming into a global industry.
The pharmaceutical and medical supplies sector employ approximately 10,000 workers.
US Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge ticks up as fuel costs rise
WASHINGTON, US – The US central bank's favored measure of inflation edged higher last month on the back of rising fuel...The personal consumption expenditures price index rose at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in February.
Much of the February increase in the cost of goods came from energy prices, which rose 2.3 percent from January.
GASTAT issues FDI statistics of Saudi Arabia for Q4 2023
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued on Friday the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) statistics for...Total FDI in Saudi Arabia's economy during Q4 of 2023 totaled about US$5 billion.
GASTAT said the results are based on a household survey conducted by the authority.
Gulf nations embark on defense industry localization
Saudi Arabia leads GCC efforts towards defense self-reliance by creating the first military industries committee, aiming to reduce foreign imports...Saudi Arabia leads GCC efforts towards defense self-reliance by creating the first military industries committee, aiming to reduce foreign imports and enhance local capabilities.
The initiative targets over 50 percent nationalization of the military industry by 2030, driven by economic and technological sovereignty, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030.
Abu Dhabi Chamber sets up working group to support startups, SMEs
ABU DHABI, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has formed a working group specifically for...This initiative aims to support and represent the interests of startups and SMEs in the region.
The goal is to make Abu Dhabi the top choice for business in the Middle East and North Africa by 2025.
