Oman’s Banking Sector Flourishes, Lending Surges and Deposits Skyrocket in 2023
In a testament to Oman’s economic vigor, the banking sector has displayed remarkable resilience and growth in lending and deposits throughout 2023. According to the Central Bank of Oman, total lending surged by 5.2%, hitting RO30.4 billion, with private sector credit witnessing a substantial 6.2% year-on-year increase. Simultaneously, deposits soared by an impressive 10.1%, reaching RO28.2 billion, with conventional banks contributing significantly. The robust performance extends to Islamic banking, with total assets climbing to RO7.1 billion, signaling its growing prominence. Oman’s banking sector’s strategic outlook appears promising, reflecting economic stability and adaptability.
Kuwait Takes a Pioneering Leap Towards Power and Water Privatization
Kuwait’s announcement of plans to privatize its power and water assets signifies a pivotal moment in the nation’s quest for improved service delivery and economic efficiency. Backed by a comprehensive feasibility study, this transformational initiative is poised to drastically reduce the government’s annual expenditure on these essential services, which currently exceeds $19 billion in subsidies. By opening the doors to privatization, Kuwait aims to introduce competition, innovation, and private sector investment into its energy sector, thereby enhancing service quality and operational efficiency. While challenges lie ahead, including regulatory complexities and ensuring affordability for the general population, this move reflects Kuwait’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and embracing global standards.
Jordan’s Economic Resilience in the Face of Global Challenges
Jordan’s recent governmental forum on the shores of the Dead Sea highlighted the nation’s financial resilience in a turbulent global economy. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zina Touqan emphasized the importance of global economic trends in shaping Jordan’s fiscal strategies. The forum underlined the urgent need to fund the Jordanian response plan to the Syrian refugee crisis, with only 9 percent of requirements being met so far.
Morocco’s Central Bank Governor Promotes Multilateralism Amidst Global Challenges
Morocco’s central bank governor, Abdellatif Jouahri, has issued a compelling call to return to multilateralism as the world grapples with intricate economic and geopolitical dynamics. In a discussion with the IMF, Jouahri stressed the importance of assessing past multilateral efforts and building stronger institutions capable of addressing the increasingly complex global landscape. This plea comes as Morocco prepares to host the 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF, where high-level delegates will gather to confront the challenges of a fragmented world. Jouahri’s emphasis on prioritization and effective evaluation of actions highlights the urgency of collective efforts to navigate an ever-changing global paradigm.
Green Entrepreneurship: A Key Driver for Competitiveness and Sustainability Highlighted at the Annual Investment Meeting’s Entrepreneurs Investment Summit
The Entrepreneurs Investment Summit opened its doors to industry leaders and experts from around the world to discuss new strategies and opportunities for investment. Held at the 12th edition of the The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), which took place at the Entrepreneurs Room located at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, The Summit witnessed a range of distinguished speakers who shared their thoughts and insights on the subject.
ADB Announces New Programme to Fight Climate Change
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday announced the Innovative Finance Facility for Climate in Asia and the Pacific (IF-CAP), a landmark program which could significantly ramp up support for the region in the battle against climate change.
Annual Investment Meeting 2023 to Explore the Role of Digital Technology in Designing Future Cities
The Annual Investment Meeting 2023 (AIM Global 2023), supported by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), will explore the future of urban development and how important employing innovative solutions and digital technology is in building smarter and more sustainable cities that can withstand future challenges.
Exclusive: Flurry of new rules leave Turkish banks struggling to lend
Some Turkish banks are curtailing corporate lending after the government’s latest raft of regulations raised their costs and forced many to cut their balance sheet risks, five banking and private sector sources told Reuters.
Digital Academies address the challenges of the modern world of work
Digital academies – an initiative from the leading digital learning and assessment specialist, eCom Learning Solutions – are helping organisations stay ahead of their competition by developing their most valuable asset: their workforce.
Japan PM Kishida urges companies to raise wages by 3% or more
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday urged companies whose earnings have recovered to pre-pandemic levels to raise wages by 3% or more at their labour talks next spring, aiming to achieve a virtuous cycle of growth and wealth distribution.
