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JEDDAH: The Future Investment Initiative Institute announced on Thursday that the next FII Priority Asia Summit will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will bring together heads of state, policymakers, global CEOs, innovators, and investors to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Discussions will center on strengthening partnerships and investment flows between Asia and the rest of the world, with a particular emphasis on the Gulf Cooperation Council.

“Japan, one of the world’s most advanced and resilient economies, offers a unique platform for such discussions. Its global leadership in technology, scientific research, and sustainable development will serve as a foundation for connecting decision-makers across continents,” SPA added citing an official release.

The summit will highlight the shared vision of Japan and the Middle East as a strategic bridge linking Asia with Africa, Europe, and the Americas, fostering inclusive trade, investment, and knowledge exchange.

Richard Attias, FII Institute acting CEO and chairman of its executive committee, said: “We are honored to bring the FII PRIORITY Summit to Tokyo. Japan’s respected standing in the global economy, coupled with its commitment to innovation and sustainable development, makes it the ideal host. Together, we will highlight how collaboration with Asia can generate solutions that strengthen resilience and prosperity worldwide.”

Founded by ��������’s Public Investment Fund, the FII Institute hosts the FII PRIORITY series, a global platform that has attracted participation from heads of state and world leaders. The Tokyo Summit’s presenting partner is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. Group, a leading Japanese financial institution committed to advancing international financial cooperation and customer growth.

Program details, including themes and keynote speakers, will be announced in the coming weeks.

RIYADH: �������� and South Africa agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, mining and infrastructure, deepening economic ties during the 10th session of their Joint Committee in Riyadh. 

The committee also reinforced efforts to enhance collaboration in agriculture, healthcare, and knowledge transfer in sectors such as environment and logistics, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The two countries have been strengthening their economic relationship in recent years. In July, ��������’s non-oil exports to South Africa reached SR193.8 million ($51.65 million), while total non-oil trade between them stood at about SR5.7 billion in 2024, highlighting growing bilateral engagement. 

Citing ��������’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, the SPA report stated that he called for “building broader partnerships [with South Africa] that include knowledge transfer, skills development, and technical innovation, based on the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programs.”  

He also emphasized the deep ties between the Kingdom and South Africa, urging both nations to capitalize on available opportunities to strengthen the economic partnership. 

Parkus Tau, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, described the Joint Committee as a “crucial milestone” in deepening strategic relations between Riyadh and Pretoria, reflecting both countries’ shared commitment to advancing common interests and cooperation. 

Tau highlighted opportunities in South Africa’s automotive and iron sectors that require investment and technical partnerships, as well as mining initiatives focused on exploration and critical minerals. He added that South Africa’s special economic zones offer attractive platforms for joint ventures. 

Both nations also agreed to develop partnerships in maritime and air transport to facilitate the movement of goods and services between them. 

At the conclusion of the session, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expressed their eagerness to expand cooperation across economic, developmental, and social sectors to ensure sustainable growth. 

The committee also announced that the 11th session will be hosted in South Africa, with plans to build on the current discussions and ensure implementation of agreements aimed at enhancing future collaboration.