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Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are back on track

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Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is visiting Saudi Arabia at the personal invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa arrived in Riyadh ahead of this high-profile visit to lay the groundwork for what is being described by the media as a major boost in Saudi-Pakistan ties, especially in terms of economic, trade and environmental cooperation.

This augurs well for the two brotherly countries, as their historic friendship faced an unfortunate rupture last year.

Luckily the leadership on both sides was resilient enough to see through the challenge and bring Saudi-Pakistan ties back on track.

To be sure, this resilience is rooted in the people-to-people relationship, which eventually helps them overcome temporary glitches and sustain cooperation on issues of mutual concern and interest. This time is no different — and here is why.

Soon after his election as prime minister in August 2018, Khan was able to develop a personal relationship with the crown prince.

He traveled to Saudi Arabia twice in the next two months, the second time at the personal invitation of the crown prince to attend the Future Investment Initiative conference as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Khan had inherited a serious balance of payments crisis. So Saudi Arabia took the lead in offering a financial relief package of $6.2 billion, including $3 billion in loans and a $3.2 billion deferred oil payment facility.

Taking a cue from Riyadh, the UAE followed suit by offering $6 billion in additional support to Pakistan.

When the Saudi crown prince visited Pakistan in February 2019, he was personally driven by Khan to the prime minister’s house in Islamabad, up on the hill in Islamabad.

In another example that symbolized the personal chemistry between the two charismatic leaders, the crown prince cheerfully told the Pakistani premier: “I am your ambassador in Saudi Arabia.” (Later in the year, the crown prince would offer his personal plane to Khan to fly to New York for the UN summit. And even while Saudi-Pakistan ties briefly experienced a bad spell in 2020, Khan declared: “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will always remain close friends.”)

That historic visit to Pakistan by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2019 witnessed a major transition in Saudi-Pakistan strategic relations in the economic sphere, with the announcement of $20 billion of Saudi investments in Pakistan, including a $10 billion Aramco oil refinery and petrochemical complex in the strategic port city of Gwadar.

The rest of the investments were in the mining and renewable energy sectors.

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This was in parallel with the efforts to sign the Free Trade Agreement to increase the volume of bilateral trade, which was worth $2 billion.

In the past, the two nations cooperated closely in security and geopolitical matters, and Saudi economic help was confined to oil concessions. Now, for the first time, the Kingdom was interested in the long-term economic development of Pakistan.

This promising moment in Saudi-Pakistan ties is occurring amid a favorable turnaround in regional geopolitics, marked by breakthroughs on different fronts.

Dr. Ali Awadh Asseri

In particular, the choice of Gwadar for such an investment stake indicated the Saudi inclination to join the wider regional integration network: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

In the natural order of things, the next logical step would have been to jointly work out the development plans for the proposed Saudi economic projects in Pakistan.

Unfortunately, international forces inimical to Saudi Arabia’s exceptional position in the Muslim world, and the historic Saudi-Pakistan alliance, could not digest the fact that the two brotherly nations were taking their relationship to a different level, where their interests could be geo-economically intertwined in future.

What happened next is a sad part of our current history, which is not worth recalling.

What is worth stating, however, is that Saudi Arabia is, and will remain, the heart of Islam for the Muslims of the world, and no other country can claim such a right: That the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the sole representative body of 57 Muslim countries and no attempt to create an alternative Muslim bloc will ever succeed; and, of course, the fact that Saudi-Pakistan ties are well-rooted in the love and affection that their people have for each other, and hence no conspiracy can hamper their organic evolution as historic partners.

That is why the false narrative regarding the OIC’s role in Kashmir did not take hold for long. That is why the dismal portrayal of Saudi economic support for Pakistan finally failed the test of times.

Fortunately, both nations have formal and informal channels of communication to overcome any instance of grave misunderstanding or deliberate misinformation impacting their relationship.

Their bond is unbreakable as it is founded on the will of the two peoples.

Hence, the two brotherly nations have always stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in difficult times. From defending the sanctity of the two holy mosques to defeating the scourge of terrorism, Pakistan has always been a key Saudi partner.

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Likewise, Saudi Arabia has never disappointed Pakistan when it is faced with hard times, be it the wave of terrorism post-9/11 or the devastating earthquake of 2005.

The two countries also closely cooperate to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan. The current or emerging Saudi engagement in Pakistan reflects the same spirit of camaraderie with Islamic roots.

In retrospect, what the visit of Prime Minister Khan to Jeddah shows is that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is back to the level it was at when the crown prince visited Islamabad more than two years ago.

The decision by Saudi Arabia and the UAE to roll over $2 billion loans to next year implies the resumption of their respective financial relief packages, which Pakistan desperately needs to ward off the devastating effects of the third wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The visit is expected to kick-start work on the $20 billion Saudi development projects in Pakistan, especially the Aramco oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Gwadar.

To boost bilateral trade, a comprehensive customs cooperation accord is also reportedly on the agenda.

Moreover, General Bajwa’s almost week-long interaction with his Saudi counterparts, and the recent appointment of retired Lt. Gen. Bilal Akbar as Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, will ensure enhanced coordination in defense and the strategic relationship between the two countries.

In fact, this time the relationship is expected to deliver deeper cooperation beyond defense and the economy, on issues of climate change in particular.

Khan shares the vision of the crown prince as set out in the recently announced Saudi Green and Green Middle East initiatives, which align with his government’s Clean and Green Pakistan initiative.

And, luckily, this promising moment in Saudi-Pakistan ties is occurring amid a favorable turnaround in regional geopolitics, marked by the Saudi olive branch to Iran, the end of the Qatar crisis, and the India-Pakistan cease-fire in Kashmir.

These developments surely open up the diplomatic space for Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to concentrate their joint efforts for economic development and regional stability.

• Dr Ali Awadh Asseri served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan from 2001 to 2009 and received Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Hilal-e-Pakistan, for his services in promoting the Saudi-Pakistan relationship. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Beirut Arab University and authored the book ‘Combating Terrorism: Saudi Arabia’s Role in the War on Terror’ (Oxford, 2009).

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China

Decoding China’s Consumer Price Rebound Amid Deflation Risks: Insights & Analysis

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Introduction

China’s consumer prices have shown signs of rebounding, thanks to a holiday boom. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew by 0.7% year on year in February, surpassing expectations and marking the first rise after six consecutive months of decline. However, amidst this positive development, there are looming concerns about deflation risks as factory gate prices continue to fall for the 17th consecutive month. This article delves into the intricacies of China’s current economic landscape, analyzing the factors contributing to the CPI growth and exploring the implications of persistent deflation risks.

1: Understanding China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) Growth
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) serves as a key indicator of inflation and reflects changes in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services. The recent 0.7% year-on-year growth in China’s CPI in February has sparked optimism among economists and policymakers. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including increased consumer spending during holidays, rising demand for certain goods and services, and government stimulus measures aimed at boosting consumption.

2: Implications of CPI Growth on China’s Economy
The rebound in consumer prices has significant implications for China’s economy. A positive CPI growth indicates a healthier level of inflation, which can stimulate economic activity by encouraging spending and investment. It also reflects improved consumer confidence and overall economic stability. However, it is essential to monitor the sustainability of this growth and its impact on other economic indicators.

3: Analyzing Deflation Risks in China’s Economy
Despite the encouraging CPI growth, there are concerns about deflation risks looming over China’s economy. The continuous decline in factory gate prices for the 17th consecutive month is seen as a warning signal by analysts. Deflation can have detrimental effects on an economy, leading to reduced consumer spending, lower corporate profits, and potential economic stagnation. Policymakers must address these deflation risks proactively to prevent long-term negative consequences.

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4: Factors Contributing to Deflation Risks
Several factors contribute to the deflation risks faced by China’s economy. Overcapacity in certain industries, weak global demand, trade tensions, and technological advancements leading to cost reductions are some of the key factors driving down factory gate prices. Addressing these underlying issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves structural reforms, targeted stimulus measures, and strategic policy interventions.

5: Strategies to Mitigate Deflation Risks
To mitigate deflation risks and sustain economic growth, policymakers in China need to implement effective strategies. These may include promoting domestic consumption through incentives and subsidies, fostering innovation and technological advancement to enhance competitiveness, addressing overcapacity through industry restructuring, and maintaining a stable macroeconomic environment through prudent monetary and fiscal policies.

Conclusion
China’s consumer price rebound offers a glimmer of hope amidst challenging economic conditions. While the CPI growth signals positive momentum in the short term, it is essential to address the underlying deflation risks to ensure long-term economic stability and growth. By understanding the factors contributing to CPI growth and deflation risks, policymakers can formulate targeted strategies to navigate these challenges effectively. Monitoring economic indicators closely and implementing proactive measures will be crucial in safeguarding China’s economy against potential downturns.

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Economy

Unveiling the Potential: Lake Street Analyst Raises Price Target on Crexendo to $7

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Introduction

In the dynamic world of stock markets, analysts play a crucial role in guiding investors with their insights and recommendations. Recently, Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi made waves by raising the price target on Crexendo (NASDAQ: CXDO) to $7 from $5.50, reaffirming a Buy rating and showcasing his bullish outlook on the company’s prospects. This move not only reflects Martinuzzi’s confidence in Crexendo but also sheds light on the underlying factors driving this optimistic stance.

1: The Analyst’s Perspective
Eric Martinuzzi, a seasoned analyst at Lake Street, has demonstrated his faith in Crexendo’s growth potential by revising the price target upwards. His Buy rating underscores a positive outlook on the company’s trajectory, indicating a belief in its ability to thrive in the competitive market landscape. By delving into Martinuzzi’s rationale behind this decision, investors can gain valuable insights into what sets Crexendo apart and why it is poised for success.

2: Unpacking Crexendo’s Market Position
Crexendo, a technology company specializing in cloud communications solutions, has been making strides in expanding its market presence and enhancing its offerings. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions, Crexendo has positioned itself as a key player in the industry. The heightened price target from Lake Street signals a strong conviction in Crexendo’s capabilities to further solidify its market position and drive growth.

3: Factors Driving Optimism
Several factors contribute to the positive sentiment surrounding Crexendo and justify the increased price target set by Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi. These may include strong financial performance, innovative product offerings, strategic partnerships, market trends favoring cloud communications solutions, and overall industry outlook. By examining these factors in detail, investors can better understand why Crexendo is garnering attention and what potential opportunities lie ahead.

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4: Implications for Investors
For investors looking to capitalize on the bullish outlook for Crexendo, understanding the implications of the revised price target is crucial. It signifies not just a numerical increase but also a vote of confidence in the company’s ability to deliver value and generate returns for shareholders. By aligning investment strategies with this optimistic outlook, investors can position themselves strategically to benefit from Crexendo’s growth trajectory.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Lake Street analyst Eric Martinuzzi’s decision to raise the price target on Crexendo to $7 reflects a positive assessment of the company’s prospects and underscores its growth potential. By exploring the analyst’s perspective, unpacking Crexendo’s market position, analyzing the factors driving optimism, and considering the implications for investors, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into why Crexendo is an intriguing investment opportunity worth considering.

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Economy

The Economic Consequences of Elections: A Perspective from Nedbank

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Introduction

Elections are an integral part of any democratic society, providing citizens with the opportunity to choose their leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. However, the focus on elections can often divert attention from other pressing issues, such as fixing the economy.

In a recent statement, the Nedbank chief, Mike Brown, expressed concern that the upcoming elections could take the focus off fixing the economy, which is a cause for concern for many South Africans. In this article, we will delve deeper into the economic consequences of elections and the implications for South Africa.

The Economic Consequences of Elections
Elections can have significant economic consequences, both in the short and long term. In the short term, elections can lead to increased uncertainty, as investors and businesses may hold back on making decisions until the outcome is clear. This uncertainty can lead to a decrease in investment, which can negatively impact economic growth.

In the long term, elections can lead to policy changes that can have significant economic consequences. For example, if a new government comes into power with a different economic policy, this can lead to changes in regulations, taxes, and other economic factors that can impact businesses and investors. This can lead to a decrease in confidence in the economy, which can further impact investment and economic growth.

Nedbank’s Perspective
Nedbank, one of South Africa’s largest banks, has expressed concern that the upcoming elections could take the focus off fixing the economy. Mike Brown, the Nedbank chief, has stated that “the focus on the election could distract from the need to address the structural issues that are holding back the economy.” This is a concern shared by many South Africans, who are worried about the country’s economic future.

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Structural Issues in the South African Economy
South Africa’s economy has been struggling for some time, with high levels of unemployment, low economic growth, and a large budget deficit. These structural issues are complex and require significant attention and effort to address. However, the focus on elections can divert attention from these issues, making it difficult to make progress in fixing the economy.

Conclusion
Elections are an important part of any democratic society, but they can also have significant economic consequences. The focus on elections can divert attention from other pressing issues, such as fixing the economy. As the Nedbank chief has pointed out, this can seriously affect South Africa’s economic future. Attention must be given to these structural issues, regardless of the outcome of the elections. Only then can South Africa hope to achieve sustainable economic growth and development.

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