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JEDDAH: The balance of capital markets, investor confidence, and ��������’s market performance took center stage at the ninth Future Investment Initiative conference.

Speaking during the event, Khalid Al-Hussan, CEO of the Saudi Tadawul Group, said the group maintains a high level of professionalism and transparency as an institutional force in the Kingdom’s market, supported by both local and international investors and increased capital inflows, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

He highlighted the vast opportunities in Saudi capital markets, noting that the Kingdom hosts two markets with more than 380 listed companies, multi-billion-dollar investments, and several active financing platforms — placing �������� among the world’s top 10 financial markets.

“Regarding the regulatory environment, Al-Hussan said it continues to evolve under Vision 2030, with efforts to broaden access to Saudi markets, deepen liquidity, and provide diverse investment alternatives,” SPA reported

The Tadawul CEO emphasized that expanding market accessibility remains a key pillar, adding that regulations are developing in response to growing demand and new capital inflows.

He revealed that investments in the Kingdom have exceeded $110 billion, with more than 4,400 new market participants. “These changes will enhance access for a broader base of investors over the medium and long term, driven by improved regulation and heightened investor interest in Saudi markets.”

He also underlined the importance of technology and innovation for future growth, noting the growing role of data-driven innovations.

Technology, he said, has become a national priority, with efforts underway to modernize capital market infrastructure through digitalization, the integration of fintech firms, and the adoption of advanced data analytics platforms.

Meanwhile, Abdulmajeed Al-Haqbani, head of securities investments at the Public Investment Fund, said the Saudi market ranks first in the Arab world in terms of market capitalization and liquidity.

He pointed to significant legislative progress compared to previous years and the market’s ongoing commitment to innovation and the development of new financial products.

Al-Haqbani noted that the balance achieved in capital markets between regulators and international investor confidence is beginning to yield positive results, describing the PIF as a cornerstone in supporting the growth of ��������’s capital markets.

“He added that the Saudi economy remains strong and well-capitalized, with substantial financial leaps in recent years — total capital flows rose from SR1 trillion to SR2 trillion in 2024, while the number of listed companies grew from 199 to more than 260. The total market value increased by 3.5 percent in January 2024,” SPA reported, citing Al- Haqbani.

On consistent investment strategies, Al-Haqbani said they serve as a key asset, revealing that SR3 billion to SR4 billion has been allocated to systematic strategies, representing 9 percent of targets, with plans to reach 20 percent.

He noted that systematic strategies have grown by 8 percent compared to traditional approaches, underscoring the positive impact of artificial intelligence, data, and advanced technologies that are reshaping investor perceptions of regional and Saudi markets.

RIYADH: India has become the fourth nation to land on the moon and has set an ambitious lunar roadmap for the next 15 years, aiming to land an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040,  reported. 

This comes as part of New Delhi’s efforts to solidify its position as a space power. While the endeavor carries symbolic weight and bolsters national pride, the economic dimension of the space program remains a key driver of India’s ambitions.    

Official estimates indicate that India’s space economy is projected to grow fivefold by 2047, making it a crucial pillar in achieving the country’s long-term vision. The sector is currently valued at approximately $8.4 billion, representing 2 percent of the global space market, while its contribution to gross domestic product is around $2.5 billion, supporting up to 100,000 jobs. 

India achieves an estimated economic return of $2.54 for every dollar spent in the space sector, making its productivity about two and a half times higher than the average productivity of Indian industry. With these ambitions, New Delhi aims to increase its share of the global space market to 8 percent by 2033, boosting the value of the space industry to $44 billion. 

Despite these promising figures, many experts warn that India’s ambitions could clash with a reality fraught with challenges, particularly bureaucratic inertia within the government sector. 

New Delhi still lacks many of the industrial components necessary to achieve its plans. Wester Atkins, professor of Aerospace Systems, told Al-Eqtisadiah that the space industry is inherently complex and requires not only specialized human capital but also a fully integrated industrial base capable of producing the necessary components. 

Atkins believes that “government dominance over the industry prevents the realization of the potential strengths of the Indian space program.” 

Paloma O’Brien, professor of Space Thermodynamics, told Al-Eqtisadiah: “The most significant shortcomings of the Indian space program lie in its heavy reliance on imports of essential components needed for a comprehensive space program. Indian industrial capabilities in related fields still lag behind its ambitions.” 

She added: “India has made considerable progress in the space industry, but it still lacks many of the industrial components necessary to achieve its ambitious plans.” 

This challenge, in particular, has prompted the government to open the sector to private companies in space technologies and services. The market now includes more than 200 startups operating in this field, some of which have gained international recognition, enabling them to sign contracts with the US to provide advanced satellite services. However, experts believe that the sector has not yet reached the required level of maturity.  

O’Brien also told The Economic Times: “The most significant shortcoming of the Indian space program lies in its heavy reliance on importing the essential components needed for a complete space program. India’s industrial capabilities in related fields still lag behind its ambitions.” 

She added that “high tariffs on imported components make Indian space products less competitive compared to countries with well-established space industries.” 

Startups struggle amid regulatory constraints 

To establish itself as a significant player in the global space race, India urgently needs to strengthen its domestic industrial base. Despite ambitious goals, bureaucracy — particularly licensing hurdles — continues to slow the growth of startups due to the lack of a flexible regulatory framework that encourages innovation and facilitates rapid decision-making. 

To date, the private sector remains heavily reliant on foreign technology, which limits its ability to compete as an independent force in the international market. 

Industry experts believe that building a comprehensive space sector requires a long-term vision and sustained investment in technology and industrial infrastructure — requirements that often exceed India’s available financial resources. This necessitates greater efforts to attract foreign capital so that the country can achieve self-sufficiency and solidify its position among the world’s leading spacefaring nations.