Saudi Arabia Tribune

Ramallah - Ma'an - The Central Bureau of Statistics said that a sharp decline was recorded in building permits issued in Palestine by 34% during the second quarter of 2024, compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023, as a result of the ongoing Israeli occupation aggression against our people. The statistics explained in a statement issued today, Tuesday, that the number of licenses issued in Palestine during the second quarter of 2024 decreased by 2% compared to the first quarter of 2024, as no building licenses were issued in the Gaza Strip during the same period. The number of licenses issued in Palestine also recorded a decrease of 34% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023, as the number of new building licenses decreased by 1% compared to the first quarter of 2024, and decreased by 39% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023. The number of building permits issued for residential and non-residential buildings reached 1,591 permits during the second quarter of 2024, including 895 permits for new buildings. The total area of ??buildings (residential and non-residential) reached 790 thousand square meters, including 620 thousand square meters for new buildings and 170 thousand square meters for existing buildings. The number of licensed residential units reached 3,370 residential units with an area of ??569 thousand square meters, including 2,569 new residential units with an area of ??440 thousand square meters, and 801 existing residential units with a total area of ??129 thousand square meters. The number of new housing units decreased by 6% during the second quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2024, and by 37% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023. Source: Maan News Agency

Seoul, South Korea launched the third round of talks for a comprehensive economic partnership with Mongolia on Tuesday that focuses on stronger cooperation on trade and supply chains, Seoul's industry ministry said. The third official round of negotiations for the bilateral economic partnership agreement (EPA) began on the day in Ulaanbaatar for a four-day run, as the two sides have agreed to clinch one that aims to boost overall economic cooperation and ensure stable supply chains, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The initial round of official talks was launched in December 2023, according to South Korean News Agency (Yonhap). During the latest meeting, the two sides plan to discuss 13 segments, such as goods, services, investment and digital trade, as well as ways of enhancing cooperation on stable supply chains and joint responses to climate changes. "Mongolia is a crucial economic partner as it can help South Korea diversify its overseas markets and stabilize supply chains. We will strive to lay the groundwork for stronger, extensive economic cooperation," Seoul's chief negotiator Ryu Peob-min said. An EPA is meant to establish a mutually beneficial trade network with partner nations beyond a simple market opening, though it covers a smaller scope of areas compared with a traditional free trade agreement. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Manama, Bahrain Bourse received the 'Best Strategic Partnerships in Capital Markets - Bahrain 2024' Award from International Finance Magazine. This recognition underscores Bahrain Bourse's unwavering commitment to fostering strong and collaborative partnerships within the capital markets industry. Bahrain Bourse has consistently demonstrated its dedication to initiatives that promote a fair, efficient, and transparent trading environment, recognising the vital role strategic partnerships play in achieving these goals. A prime example of this commitment is Bahrain Bourse's collaboration with Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). Following its strategic partnership with ADX, BHB and ADX announced the launch of the region's first digital exchange hub - Tabadul in July 2022 to enable investors to trade directly on both exchanges through licensed brokers in both markets. Additionally, this initiative was expanded to cover additional markets including Muscat Stock Exchange. Additionally, Bahrain Bourse collabor ated with the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) in 2019 to encourage adoption of best Investor Relations (IR) Practices in the capital market. This partnership was further exemplified through hosting the MEIRA Annual Conference in November 2023, which served as a valuable platform for industry leaders to connect, share best practices, and contribute to the development of a robust investor relations landscape in the region. In April 2022, Bahrain Bourse hosted the Arab Federation of Capital Markets Annual Conference in Bahrain, highlighting the role of capital markets in supporting and financing strategic projects during the pandemic. Bahrain Bourse also recently launched the BHB Board Mentorship Program in partnership with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to equip aspiring senior executives with the specialized training and guidance necessary to excel on corporate boards, ultimately fostering a culture of governance excellence within Bahrain's companies. Bahrain Bourse ha s been collaborating with the BIBF on various initiatives, such as the Investment Academy and TradeQuest, all of which aim to empower market participants and contribute to the development of Bahrain's capital markets. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Bourse, expressed his pride in receiving the prestigious award from International Finance Magazine. He emphasised that the recognition reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts of the entire Bahrain Bourse team, as well as the strong partnerships established across the industry, which have been instrumental in achieving this success. "Bahrain Bourse will continue to forge new and innovative partnerships that will continue to drive growth and create a more dynamic and efficient capital market landscape in Bahrain, and throughout the region," Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim added. The International Finance Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the financial industry, honoring companies for their leadership, talent, and strategic cap abilities on a global stage. A qualified research team rigorously evaluates nominations, selecting winners based on both submitted applications and their proven track record of success. Source: Bahrain News Agency