WEF panelists call for systemic policy shifts to help developing countries out of global debt crisis

WEF panelists call for systemic policy shifts to help developing countries out of global debt crisis
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About 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more servicing debt than they do on education or health, according to a report published by the UN in July 2023. (SCREENSHOT)
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Updated 22 January 2025
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WEF panelists call for systemic policy shifts to help developing countries out of global debt crisis

WEF panelists call for systemic policy shifts to help developing countries out of global debt crisis
  • At World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, they urge governments and lenders to take shared actions to build strong, resilient economies and relieve debt burdens
  • Developing countries have accrued twice as much debt since 2010 compared with those in the developed world

DUBAI: The international community must devise ways to help nations in the developing world out of the global debt crisis and safeguard societies from the long-term effects of economic stagnation.

This was the message from a panel of experts during a discussion at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos on Tuesday. Amid global transformations and ongoing uncertainty, they called for shifts in domestic and global monetary policies to provide relief for countries with debt burdens, and for governments and lenders to take shared actions to help build strong and resilient economies.

An International Monetary Fund report published in October stated that global pubic debt was expected to exceed $100 trillion during 2024, representing about 93 percent of global gross domestic product. Developing countries have accrued twice as much debt since 2010 compared with those in the developed world, according to UN figures..

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and unprecedented hikes in interest rates have compounded this debt crisis in some countries, potentially jeopardizing the futures of generations to come and slowing global progress.

Rebeca Grynspan, the secretary-general of UN Trade and Development, called for change at a systemic level to help countries take proactive steps to avoid debt problems in an ever-changing world.

“The developing world has half the debt that developed world has, the problem is paying for it,” she said.

“Firstly, we should avoid a liquidity problem becoming a debt problem. We have instruments that we don’t use in the international system, like special drawing rights.

“Secondly, the developing countries need long-term loans. If you go for infrastructure, you really want to grow, you need long-term money.”

For a monumental shift to take place, multilateral development banks need to scale up, take risks and crowd in private investment, Grynspan added.

About 3.3 billion people live in countries that spend more servicing debt than they do on education or health, according to a report published by the UN in July 2023.

“Markets are not in crisis but people are,” said Grynspan. “We don’t have a debt fault, but we have a development fault and that in turn will come to hunt us because if you cannot have growth in these countries, then we will not be able to get onto a sustainable path.”

Andre Esteves, chairperson and senior partner of Brazilian financial company Banco BTG Pactual, warned that a trade war between US and China during Donald Trump’s second term as president might affect other countries. However, he also highlighted positive indicators among the policies of the new administration in Washington.

“The whole idea of more fiscal discipline, ranging from deregulation and private-sector growth,” he said by way of examples. “But there needs to be the core of regulatory framework, otherwise it would be a bad move.”

As the debt crisis fuels power imbalances, dominance is expected to skew toward China, said Simon Freakley, the chairperson and CEO at global consulting firm AlixPartners.

“In today’s world, where developing countries are struggling to pay back their debt, they need to borrow more,” he noted, adding that China is able to exert significant influence as its capital markets are wide open to commodity-rich countries unwilling to borrow more money or service a debt.

Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s minister of planning, economic development and international cooperation, said macroeconomic stability needs to be coupled with structural reforms that improve the business environment to attract investment, reduce burdens and support the green transition.

Amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa region, policies must be adopted to help mitigate the effects of various types of shocks, she added. For example, an IMF-supported Egyptian program was approved in December 2022 with the aim of achieving macroeconomic stability and encouraging private-sector-led growth.

“The manufacturing sector could benefit from inflows there,” Al-Mashat said. “We are also trying to put stringent ceilings on public investment so that the private sector can come in. All of these are drivers for growth financing for development.”

She called for a rethinking of global financial architecture to help more middle-income, emerging economies find alternative financing, such as debt swaps, for climate action or development.

Mohammed Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s minister of finance and revenue, warned of the long-term effects of economic stagnation. He said his country this month entered into a 10-year partnership with World Bank Group to address the issues of climate change and population.

“Population means child stunting, learning poverty and girls out of school,” he says. “There’s also climate resiliency and decarbonization. Unless we address this, the medium-to-long-term growth is not going to be sustainable.”


Global oil demand rose 1.5% in 2024 despite production dip: OPEC report

Global oil demand rose 1.5% in 2024 despite production dip: OPEC report
Updated 02 July 2025
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Global oil demand rose 1.5% in 2024 despite production dip: OPEC report

Global oil demand rose 1.5% in 2024 despite production dip: OPEC report

RIYADH: Global oil demand climbed by 1.49 million barrels per day, or 1.5 percent, year on year in 2024 to reach an average of 103.84 million bpd, according to newly released data from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Demand rose across nearly all regions, with the strongest gains recorded in non-OECD Asia, particularly China and India, followed by the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and OECD Europe. Within OPEC member countries, oil demand rose by 0.12 million bpd, or 1.3 percent, year on year.

However, total world crude oil production declined for the first time since 2020, falling by 0.77 million bpd, or 1 percent, to average 72.58 million bpd in 2024. OPEC attributed the drop to lower output from both its members and non-OPEC producers participating in the Declaration of Cooperation.

OPEC nations cut production by 0.57 million bpd, or 2.1 percent, while non-OPEC DoC participants saw a steeper decline of 0.78 million bpd, or 5.2 percent. In contrast, crude production from countries not involved in the DoC rose by 0.58 million bpd, or 1.8 percent.

Refining capacity

Global refining capacity increased by 1.04 million bpd in 2024 to reach 103.80 million bpd. Most of this expansion came from the non-OECD region, notably China, India, and the Middle East.

For the first time since 2019, members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development also saw a modest increase in refining capacity—up by 0.16 million bpd—driven by additions in the Americas, although partially offset by closures in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Refinery throughput also saw a modest rise, growing by 0.52 million bpd, or 0.6 percent, to 85.97 million bpd. This was largely due to increased run rates in OECD Americas and non-OECD regions, including the Middle East, Africa, India, and Other Asia.

Exports down, product shipments up

OPEC’s crude oil exports declined by 0.70 million bpd, or 3.5 percent, in 2024 to average 19.01 million bpd. Asia continued to be the primary destination for OPEC crude, receiving 13.67 million bpd, or 71.9 percent of total exports.

In contrast, exports of petroleum products from OPEC members rose by 0.29 million bpd, or 6.1 percent, reaching an average of 5.07 million bpd during the year.

Global proven crude oil reserves stood at 1,567 billion barrels at the end of 2024, marking a slight increase of 2 billion barrels, or 0.1 percent, from the previous year. Proven reserves in OPEC members remained unchanged at 1,241 billion barrels.


Gulf bourses end mixed on US tariff uncertainty

Gulf bourses end mixed on US tariff uncertainty
Updated 02 July 2025
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Gulf bourses end mixed on US tariff uncertainty

Gulf bourses end mixed on US tariff uncertainty
  • Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index edged 0.1% higher
  • Dubai’s main share index dropped 0.4%

LONDON: Stock markets in the Gulf ended mixed on Wednesday as investors monitored global trade developments ahead of the US’ potential re-imposition of sweeping tariffs on July 9. 

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he was not thinking of extending the July 9 deadline for countries to negotiate trade deals with the US, and continued to express doubt that an agreement could be reached with Japan. 

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index edged 0.1 percent higher, after two consecutive sessions of losses, helped by 1.7 percent rise in Saudi Arabian Mining Company. 

The cautious mood dominating the region contributed to mixed sector performances, said Joseph Dahrieh, managing principal at Tickmill. 

“Investors are awaiting further developments to gain more clarity, while low oil prices continue to pose a risk, despite a positive economic outlook,” he said. 

Among gainers, oil giant Saudi Aramco rose 0.8 percent. 

Oil futures edged up as Iran suspended cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog and markets weighed expectations of more supply from major producers next month, while the US dollar softened further. 

Dubai’s main share index dropped 0.4 percent, hit by a 1.3 percent fall in toll operator Salik Company. 

Separately, Dubai commuters may soon have a new way to beat traffic, as Joby Aviation successfully completed the first test flight of its fully-electric air taxi in the emirate this week — a significant step toward the city’s goal of integrating airborne transport into its mobility network as early as next year. 

In Abu Dhabi, the index eased 0.1 percent, while the Qatari index closed flat. 

A report on Tuesday suggested that the US labor market stayed resilient in May, sharpening the focus on US nonfarm payrolls figures due on Thursday as investors try to gauge when the Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates next. 

Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday reiterated the US central bank’s plans to “wait and learn more” before lowering rates. 

Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index added 0.4 percent, with Talaat Moustafa Holding rising 0.9 percent. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index inches up to close at 11,129

Closing Bell: Saudi main index inches up to close at 11,129
Updated 02 July 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index inches up to close at 11,129

Closing Bell: Saudi main index inches up to close at 11,129
  • MSCI Tadawul 30 Index gained 0.24% to finish at 1,423.94
  • Parallel market Nomu increased 0.48% to settle at 27,375.84

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index gained 8.04 points, or 0.07, to close at 11,129.64 on Wednesday. 

Total trading turnover reached SR5.41 billion ($1.44 billion), with 103 stocks posting gains and 140 declining. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, also recorded an increase, gaining 130.72 points, or 0.48 percent, to settle at 27,375.84, as 32 stocks advanced and 41 retreated.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also gained 3.34 points, or 0.24 percent, to finish at 1,423.94. 

BAAN Holding Group Co. was the best-performing stock of the session, with its share price rising 9.73 percent to SR2.48. Saudi Industrial Export Co. followed with a 7.66 percent increase to SR2.39. 

Other gainers included Almunajem Foods Co., which rose to a fresh year high on Wednesday, closing at SR77 with a 5.77 percent increase. 

On the losing side, Buruj Cooperative Insurance Co. saw the steepest decline, falling 3.24 percent to SR17.92. Saudi Industrial Development Co. dropped 3.07 percent to SR30.9, and National Shipping Co. of Saudi Arabia declined 3.06 percent to SR23.75. 

On the announcements front, Saudi Arabian Mining Co., also known as Ma’aden, finalized its acquisition of all shares owned by AWA Saudi and Alcoa Saudi in two of its major subsidiaries, according to a statement on the Saudi Stock Exchange.

The move follows the approval by Ma’aden’s extraordinary general assembly on June 25 to increase the company’s capital through a share issuance as consideration for acquiring the remaining stakes in Ma’aden Bauxite and Alumina Co. and Ma’aden Aluminium Co.

According to Ma’aden, the acquisition was made effective, and share allocation procedures were completed on July 1. The newly issued shares were deposited in favor of AWA Saudi and Alcoa Saudi, with the holdings officially listed on the same day.

The acquisition involved Ma’aden purchasing AWA Saudi’s entire stake in Ma’aden Bauxite and Alumina Co., totaling 128,010,000 ordinary shares — equivalent to 25.1 percent of the company’s issued capital.

It also included Alcoa Saudi’s full shareholding in Ma’aden Aluminium Co., amounting to 165,001,125 ordinary shares, or 25.1 percent of the company’s issued capital.

To execute the transaction, Ma’aden increased its capital from SR38.03 billion to SR38.89 billion — a 2.26 percent rise. As a result, the total number of its ordinary shares grew from 3.80 billion to 3.89 billion.

Under the new share distribution, Alcoa Saudi received 67,612,162 new ordinary shares, representing 1.74 percent of Ma’aden’s post-acquisition capital, while AWA Saudi received 18,365,385, or 0.47 percent of the capital.

Additionally, Ma’aden paid AWA Saudi SR562.5 million in cash as part of the transaction. The company emphasized that the acquisition does not involve any related parties.

The financial implications of the deal will be reflected in Ma’aden’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30. 

Ma’aden’s share price closed 1.72 percent higher to reach SR53.25.

Saudi National Bank announced its plan to redeem its SR2 billion tier-1 capital sukuk in full on July 15, marking the 10th anniversary of the instrument’s issuance.

The sukuk, which was launched on July 15, 2015, will be redeemed at face value — 100 percent of the issue price — in accordance with the terms and conditions set at issuance, the bank stated in a press release published on Tadawul.

The move follows Saudi National Bank’s securing of the necessary regulatory approval to proceed with the redemption. The full principal amount, along with any accrued but unpaid periodic distributions, will be paid to sukuk holders on the redemption date.

The SR2 billion sukuk issuance comprised 2,000 certificates, each with a face value of SR1 million. It represented 100 percent of the issued sukuk under this offering. Following the redemption, the total value of the sukuk issuance will be reduced to zero.

This redemption reflects the bank’s capital management strategy and its ongoing commitment to optimizing its financial structure.

The bank’s share price closed 0.34 percent higher on Wednesday’s session to SR35.84.


International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia hits $13bn in Q1 

International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia hits $13bn in Q1 
Updated 02 July 2025
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International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia hits $13bn in Q1 

International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia hits $13bn in Q1 
  • Rise pushed Kingdom’s travel account surplus to SR26.78 billion
  • Saudi Arabia welcomed 115.9 million tourists in 2024

RIYADH: International tourists spent SR49.37 billion ($13.16 billion) in Saudi Arabia during the first quarter of 2025, a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year, recent data showed. 

According to figures released by the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, the rise pushed the Kingdom’s travel account surplus to SR26.78 billion, up 11.7 percent year on year, underlining the sector’s growing contribution to the country’s non-oil economy. 

This comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 push to position tourism as a pillar of economic diversification, raising its target to 150 million annual visitors by 2030 after surpassing the 100 million mark ahead of schedule. 

In 2024, the sector hit a milestone, with international tourism revenue soaring 148 percent from 2019 — the fastest growth among G20 nations. 

Domestic trips almost doubled, according to the annual report figures, rising from 47.8 million to 86.2 million. Shuttertsock

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, commenting on the sector’s performance following the release of the Ministry of Tourism’s 2024 Annual Statistical Report in June, said the document “showcases the sector’s remarkable growth and its role in enabling Saudi Vision 2030, a record performance achieved with the support and guidance of the Kingdom’s visionary leadership.” 

The report said that Saudi Arabia welcomed 115.9 million tourists in 2024 — 29.7 million inbound and 86.2 million domestic trips — easily surpassing the Vision 2030 milestone of 100 million visits, five years ahead of schedule. 

Total visitor spending reached SR283.8 billion, of which SR168.5 billion came from international travelers and SR115.3 billion from domestic tourists. 

Since Vision 2030’s launch, Saudi tourism has expanded at breakneck speed. Inbound arrivals have climbed from 17.5 million in 2019 to 29.7 million in 2024, a 70 percent jump, while their spending ballooned by 63 percent, from SR103.4 billion to SR168.5 billion over the same period. 

Domestic trips almost doubled, according to the annual report figures, rising from 47.8 million to 86.2 million over the same period. 

The sector’s success is underpinned by multibillion-riyal investments in destination infrastructure. The first island resorts of the Red Sea Project will open later this year, while construction races ahead at NEOM’s Trojena mountain resort and Riyadh’s heritage-rich Diriyah Gate. 

The Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA. Wikipedia

Developers are lining up more than 320,000 hotel rooms, and Red Sea International Airport is expected to start commercial flights in 2025, sharpening long-haul connectivity for high-end travelers. 

Global recognition has followed, with UN Tourism data, cited in the Annual Statistical Report, showing Saudi Arabia ranked first among G20 nations for growth in international tourist numbers in 2024 and second globally compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

Speaking in April 2024, Ahmad Arab, founder of tourism and hospitality firm DRB Arabia and former deputy minister at the Ministry of Tourism, told GLG Insights the industry is on track to create 1 million related jobs by 2030, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s diversifying non-oil economy. 

A notable trend, according to the Ministry of Tourism’s annual report, is the shift toward leisure travel. Non-religious visits accounted for 59 percent of inbound arrivals in 2024, up from 44 percent in 2019, as streamlined e-visas, entertainment seasons, and high-profile sporting events broadened the Kingdom’s appeal. 

Egypt remained the top source market with 3.2 million visitors, followed by Pakistan with 2.8 million and Bahrain with 2.6 million. Makkah Al-Mukarramah led all destinations with 17.4 million overnight foreign visitors, while Riyadh and Jeddah also attracted millions. 

Domestic tourism is expanding in parallel: trips rose 5 percent to 86.2 million in 2024, fueling record domestic outlays of SR115.3 billion. Leisure remained the top purpose, helped by school-holiday campaigns and new regional festivals. 

With first-quarter spending at an all-time high and visitor volumes already outpacing long-term targets, Riyadh’s next challenge is to sustain capacity growth while maintaining service quality.


Saudi Arabia, Morocco set to boost economic ties with focus on trade, sustainable development

Saudi Arabia, Morocco set to boost economic ties with focus on trade, sustainable development
Updated 02 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Morocco set to boost economic ties with focus on trade, sustainable development

Saudi Arabia, Morocco set to boost economic ties with focus on trade, sustainable development
  • Saudi delegation held several meetings with ministers to discuss strategic trade and investment issues
  • Morocco ranks as the Kingdom’s 57th largest trading partner in terms of exports

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Morocco are set to enhance economic ties by expanding trade and cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable development following a Saudi business delegation’s visit to Rabat.

As part of a business trip that began on June 29 to Mauritania and Morocco, a delegation from the Saudi Federation of Commerce, led by chairman Hassan Moejeb Al-Huwaizi and joined by 30 top investors and company officials, visited Rabat to explore investment opportunities and enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors. 

The delegation held several meetings with ministers to discuss strategic trade and investment issues, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The visit aligns with the SFC’s strategy to enhance economic cooperation and facilitate investment, reflecting the shared vision for the future between the Kingdom and Morocco. Their trade volume reached SR5 billion ($1.33 billion) in 2024, with exports from Saudi Arabia totaling SR4.3 billion and imports amounting to SR640 million.

According to the SFC, Morocco ranks as the Kingdom’s 57th largest trading partner in terms of exports and 51st in terms of imports. Saudi Arabia’s main exports to Morocco include cars and vehicles, insulated wires, chemical fertilizers, and women’s clothing. The primary imports from Morocco comprise refined petroleum, cars and vehicles, vehicle accessories, and wheat.

“The delegation began its meetings with the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, to discuss ways to enhance commercial cooperation and expand the volume of trade exchanges between the two countries,” SPA reported.

It added that the delegation also met with Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests Ahmed El-Bouari, who highlighted the significant potential in the agricultural and maritime sectors, opening new horizons for cooperation in production and export.

The meetings included a session with Karim Zaidan, the delegate-minister to the head of government in charge of investment, convergence, and the evaluation of public policies, during which investment opportunities and joint projects contributing to sustainable development were discussed, as per SPA.

The report said that the Saudi delegation also met with Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali to explore cooperation in renewable energy, with a focus on exchanging experiences and expertise in this vital sector.

Morocco’s economy is demonstrating continued resilience and diversification, with the country’s foreign trade volume reaching $120 billion in 2024, according to data from the FSC.

The nation’s gross domestic product for the same year is estimated at $155 billion, underscoring sustained activity across key sectors. The country holds a BB+ credit rating and ranks 60th globally in terms of economic performance.

The services sector remains the backbone of the Moroccan economy, accounting for 54.2 percent of the nation’s GDP. It is followed by industry at 24.5 percent and agriculture at 11.06 percent, reflecting a balanced contribution from both modern and traditional economic drivers.

In terms of trade composition, Morocco’s top imported goods include fruits, textiles, and transport equipment. Meanwhile, the country’s main exports comprise chemical products, industrial goods, as well as leather and rubber.