- Investment flows between the Middle East and Asia are increasing, leading to a predicted trend of dual listings. Olam Group Ltd, a major Asian commodity trader, plans to list its agribusiness unit in both Singapore and Saudi Arabia, marking the first global company listing in the kingdom. The Saudi stock exchange has actively sought international ties, partnering with the Hong Kong and Singapore bourses.
- Although dual listings are not expected to result in a large number of such agreements, a prosperous initial public offering (IPO) of Olam Agri could pave the way for certain companies. According to Deghaili, companies from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates might be interested in leveraging their substantial export market in Asia. He further mentioned that dual listings in both regions would enable Asian investors seeking diversification and exposure to the rapidly growing Middle East economies to gain access.
Why it matters
Meanwhile, companies from the Middle East have turned their attention towards the East. Last year, the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia's wealth fund, established a presence in Hong Kong and has been making investments in Asian companies. These investments include South Korea's Kakao Entertainment and Chinese gaming company VSPO.