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IsDB Group Private Sector Institutions organized the 12ᵗʰ Edition of the “Private Sector Forum” Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 28-30 April 2024

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2 years ago

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IsDB

This event served as a gateway for potential investors interested in Saudi Arabia and as a platform to promote the KSA Vision2030

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 1, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The private sector institutions of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group successfully organized the 12th edition of the “Private Sector Forum – 2024”. Held from 28th to 30th April 2024 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Forum took place on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the IsDB and the Golden Jubilee of the Islamic Development Bank under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdelaziz Al Saud.

The primary objective of the Private Sector Forum was to provide a unique platform for the global business community to connect, network, and explore investment and trade opportunities offered by member countries. Additionally, the Forum showcased IsDB Group activities, projects, services, and initiatives across member countries, highlighting the organizations’ role in promoting Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects and its services to the private sector. This event served as a gateway for potential investors interested in Saudi Arabia and as a platform to promote the KSA Vision2030.

This year’s forum has been instrumental in facilitating a valuable exchange of knowledge among leading experts and stakeholders

The event attracted more than 2,000 participants, including government officials, Chairpersons, Presidents, and CEOs of local and international companies, multilateral and financial institutions, chambers of commerce and industry, business associations, investment promotion agencies, individual investors, and entrepreneurs. The Forum facilitated parallel business to business (B2B) and business to government (B2G) meetings, enabling business communities across member countries to establish valuable connections. Moreover, the event featured exhibitions for partners, a competition for start-ups, and, for the first time, recognized and awarded notable organizations and personalities has been recognized and awarded by the IsDB Group entities.

In his address, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the IsDB Group, remarked: “The 12th edition of IsDB Group Private Sector Forum, taking place this year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has successfully promoted the integration of the public and private sectors, which is crucial for the economic and social development of our member countries. It is the responsibility of the public sector to develop infrastructure and legislation to foster an attractive business climate for the private sector to stimulate production and create jobs” H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser thanked the attendees for their participation in the Forum, which included 17 sessions, more than 60 speakers, 32 exhibitors, and more than 2,000 participants representing 60 countries and witnessed the signature of 61 agreements with amount of US$ 6,486 billion.

Mr. Oussama Kaissi, CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a multilateral credit and political risk insurer and a member of the IsDB Group, on the impactful outcomes of the forum, stated: “The Private Sector Forum has served as a crucial platform for ICIEC to explore innovative strategies that merge trade, insurance, and investment sectors, especially in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This year’s forum has been instrumental in facilitating a valuable exchange of knowledge among leading experts and stakeholders.” “Moreover, the Forum played a critical role in highlighting the importance of these sectors in fostering economic diversification and sustainability. Our approach at ICIEC, guided by robust underwriting, reinsurance, and risk management policies, has significantly contributed to this effort. With over US$ 108 billion in cumulative trade and investment insurance, focusing on key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture, we have been able to identify challenges and opportunities that align with Vision 2030, fostering essential partnerships. ICIEC remains committed to driving economic growth and sustainable development in our member states through strategic insurance and investment solutions.” added Mr. Kaissi .

Reflecting on the success of the Private Sector Forum, H.E. Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, the Acting CEO of The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), highlighted the core focus of their activities on sustainability and development. He expressed hope that the forum effectively presented existing co-financing opportunities available for the private sector and discussed potential solutions in sustainable development. Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol emphasized the importance of the private sector as a vital driver of economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation in member countries. The ICD has been instrumental in this effort, having disbursed more than USD 4.5 billion to unlock private sector investment in finance, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy for sustainable development since its inception in 1999. This is a testament to their commitment, with a record of 451 approved projects in 50 countries. He reaffirmed ITFC’s commitment to supporting private sector growth, underscoring the collaborative efforts in empowering businesses and driving economic progress across member countries. Over the last 15 years, ITFC has approved a cumulative total of US$ 18.5 billion in support of private sector and SME clients, accounting for 25 % of its trade finance portfolio.

For more information, please visit the Private Sector Forum website (www.ISDBG-PSF.org).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

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Business

Çelebi Aviation Enters Kenyan Market, Accelerating Strategic Growth Across Africa

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3 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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Çelebi Aviation

The expansion into Kenya signals confidence in the region’s aviation potential and supports the company’s ambition to deepen its presence across the continent

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 24, 2026/APO Group/ –Çelebi Aviation (www.CelebiAviation.com) has announced its entry into the Kenyan market, marking a key milestone in its expansion across Africa and reinforcing its focus on high-potential regions.

With more than 65 years of experience in ground handling and cargo services, the company continues to operate with a strong emphasis on transparency, ethical standards, and full regulatory compliance. Its global footprint spans Europe, Asia, and Africa, where it consistently delivers high standards of safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

The move aligns with a broader strategic recalibration. Following the conclusion of its concession agreement in Tanzania, Çelebi Aviation opted not to continue operations in the country under the existing structure after a comprehensive review. This decision reflects a disciplined, value-driven approach to growth and a clear focus on markets that offer sustainable, long-term opportunities.

The expansion into Kenya signals confidence in the region’s aviation potential and supports the company’s ambition to deepen its presence across the continent. Çelebi Aviation continues to prioritize markets where it can leverage its global expertise to drive efficiency, service quality, and long-term value creation.

Operations across all existing markets remain uninterrupted, backed by a strong operational infrastructure and an experienced workforce. The company also maintains its commitment to contributing to local economies and employment in every geography it serves.

As Çelebi Aviation advances its global growth strategy, this latest step further strengthens its position as a trusted aviation services partner across emerging and established markets alike.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Çelebi Aviation.

 

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GREE Unveils 130 Products at the 139th Canton Fair, with Over 80% Featuring AI and Green Energy-Saving Technologies

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8 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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GREE

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 April 2026 – On April 15, the 139th China Import and Export Fair (hereinafter referred to as the “Canton Fair”) officially opened. As a leading enterprise in the manufacturing sector, Gree Electric made a grand appearance at Pavilion 4.2A under the theme “GREE, Making Better Electric Appliances,” presenting over a hundred innovative products in its largest exhibition area in Canton Fair history. Amid the global wave of green and intelligent manufacturing transformation, GREE is leveraging its hard-core independent innovation and full-industry-chain capabilities to show the world the confidence and resolve of China’s intelligent manufacturing to navigate industry cycles and lead the transformation.

Zhu Lei, CMO of Gree Electric, stated that Gree has participated in the Canton Fair for 31 consecutive years. This year, GREE brought 130 products to the event. Facing the global market, GREE strives to fully meet the practical needs of consumers from different regions worldwide. Notably, the majority of these products are originally manufactured in and exported from China, reflecting the dedication and ingenuity of GREE’s Chinese craftsmen.

It is reported that at this year’s Canton Fair, GREE has created a full-industry-chain exhibition space ranging from core components to scenario-based solutions. To date, buyers from over 50 countries and regions have scheduled visits and business negotiations, marking a 21% year-on-year increase.

Currently, the global home appliance industry is undergoing a dual transformation. On one hand, an energy efficiency revolution driven by the “Dual Carbon” goals makes the transition to eco-friendly refrigerants an urgent priority; on the other hand, an experience revolution spurred by consumption upgrades has made quietness, health, and smart features the core demands of users. GREE’s SilenzX series ultra-quiet air conditioners, showcased at the event, serve as a precise response to this trend. Equipped with a self-developed rotary four-cylinder compressor, the SilenzX series reduces the minimum sound pressure level of the outdoor unit to a mere 29 decibels—far below the industry average of 42 decibels. Backed by 137 invention patents, the product recently won a Gold Medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, signaling that Chinese enterprises have shifted from being “followers” to “leaders” in the realm of comfort technology.

A deeper layer of competitiveness stems from GREE’s long-term bet on a green future. Among the products showcased at this Canton Fair, over 80% are equipped with AI, green energy-saving, and other advanced technologies. GREE has comprehensively implemented R290 eco-friendly refrigerant technology across its entire product matrix, including split units, window units, and water heaters. Furthermore, its world-first photovoltaic air conditioning system has achieved a systemic breakthrough of “zero carbon emissions, zero electricity bills, and zero waste.” The AI dynamic energy-saving technology also utilizes intelligent algorithm optimization to boost annual energy efficiency by 15.8% and reduce power consumption by 13.6%. Rather than isolated technological features, these represent comprehensive green solutions that cover the entire chain of energy production, transmission, and consumption, providing the industry with a leapfrog path from “low-carbon compliance” to “zero-carbon leadership.”

Behind this systemic innovation capability lies a full-industry-chain competitive moat forged through 35 years of independent R&D. At this Canton Fair, Gree introduced three major compressors—G-Boost, G-Storm, and G-Hyper—which have successfully overcome industry challenges such as ultra-high-temperature cooling and ultra-low-temperature heating. Its star product, the GMV 9 series, is capable of operating in an ultra-wide temperature range from -35°C to 60°C, marking GREE’s achievement of full-stack technological autonomy from core components to system integration.

This strategic resolve is yielding substantial returns in GREE’s global layout. As one of the first Chinese home appliance companies to venture overseas, GREE has built a network covering more than 190 countries and regions. Independent brands now account for 70% of its total export volume, and this figure exceeds 85% in Belt and Road countries. This marks a highly successful, high-quality transformation from a traditional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model to an independent brand-led enterprise.

From core technological breakthroughs to a green and low-carbon transition, GREE remains rooted in technology and centered on quality. Its presence at the Canton Fair serves as a vivid microcosm of the transformation and upgrading of China’s manufacturing sector, demonstrating the powerful potential and dynamic momentum of “Made in China.”

 

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Sierra Leone Signs Offshore Petroleum License with Marginal Energy

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9 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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Sierra Leone

The deal marks a new step in positioning Sierra Leone as an emerging upstream destination with over $225 million in committed exploration investment

PARIS, France, April 23, 2026/APO Group/ –The Government of Sierra Leone has signed a new offshore petroleum license agreement with Nigerian-based independent energy company Marginal Energy, advancing efforts to attract upstream investment and unlock the country’s hydrocarbon potential.

 

The agreement was formalized on April 23 at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s growing profile among frontier exploration markets.

Signed through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), the license grants Marginal Energy exclusive rights to explore, develop and produce hydrocarbons across five offshore blocks – G-Blocks 145, 146, 147, 160 and 161 – covering approximately 6,800 KM2.

The deal establishes a full-cycle upstream program, spanning exploration through to potential production, under a fiscal and regulatory framework designed to balance investor returns with national value creation.

According to details released by PDSL, the agreement includes a structured exploration period of up to seven years, alongside a minimum work program incorporating 3D seismic acquisition, advanced geoscience studies and drilling commitments. The company has committed to invest more than $225 million during the exploration phases.

In a statement released by PDSL, President Julius Maada Bio said the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to “responsibly harnessing Sierra Leone’s natural resources for sustainable economic transformation,” adding that partnerships with capable investors will help accelerate development of the country’s petroleum sector.

PDSL Director General Foday Mansaray described the deal as “an important step in unlocking Sierra Leone’s offshore potential,” emphasizing the country’s focus on transparency and competitiveness. The agreement also includes provisions for local content development, technology transfer and environmental management, aligning with Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to ensure long-term economic benefits from resource development.

For Marginal Energy, which brings over two decades of experience in the Niger Delta, the agreement represents an entry into a largely underexplored basin with significant upside potential. The company said it is committed to deploying its technical and financial capabilities to advance exploration while maintaining high standards of environmental and operational performance.

The signing comes as African governments continue to position their upstream sectors to attract capital amid shifting global energy dynamics. It also follows a reconnaissance permit agreement signed by PDSL with Shell at the forum a day earlier, enabling Shell to conduct advanced geological and geophysical surveys across multiple offshore blocks.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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