International Spotlight
Updates on companies around the world.
Qatar: Leadership and Vision
Praising the country's "state-of-the-art infrastructure", the World Bank forecasts a "major boost" to Qatar's economy in the coming years. This period should see the North Field expansion project come onstream, boosting the crucial gas field's output by 85% to 142m tonnes a year. Meanwhile, economic diversification continues apace, with tourism in particular a key contributor. Qatar is playing host to a range of major events in 2024, following its successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Omantel: Leading Oman's Digital Transformation Into a New Era of Innovation and Growth
Founded in 1970, Omantel is a joint-stock company listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange and is 51% owned by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), a wholly owned investment arm of the Omani government. By collaborating closely with the public sector, multinational corporations, and small to medium enterprises, Omantel is one of the key drivers of innovation to support Oman's digital evolution.
Taiwan: A Thriving Economic Powerhouse
With a GDP comparable in size to that of Switzerland or Poland, Taiwan is one of Asia's largest economies, according to the IMF. Its strong purchasing power, openness to international business, and sophistication in high-tech industries have made it an attractive partner for companies looking to diversify into Asia.
Wegagen Bank: Pioneering Growth in Ethiopia's Rapidly Expanding Economy
One of Ethiopia's most dynamic banks, Wegagen Bank capitalizes on several competitive advantages that have propelled its remarkable journey. Among these is its extensive network of strong correspondent banking relationships with world-leading financial institutions. Notable partners include Citibank, Bank of China, Germany's Commerzbank, Italy's Unicredit, and France's Natexis, as well as numerous institutions across Africa. These strategic alliances position Wegagen as the premier partner for export-oriented companies, providing robust support for businesses targeting international markets, including affluent developed countries.
Manaseer Group: Planting the Seeds for a Greener Future
Founded in 1999, Manaseer Group is one of Jordan's most prominent corporate groups and an industry leader in several strategic sectors, such as food security, energy and mobility, industrial minerals, building materials and food security. With a capital investment of USD 3 billion and over 20 companies under its umbrella, Manaseer Group is playing a pivotal role in Jordan's economic and social development.
thegroup: Romania's Leading Marketing and Advertising Agency
Established in 2005, thegroup has emerged as one of Romania's most successful marketing and communication agencies, maintaining its position at the top of the industry for over a decade. Offering a comprehensive range of services in advertising, media, public relations, and strategic marketing, thegroup is dedicated to building strong and lasting brand reputations for its clients and partners.
Alsulaiman Group: Celebrating Over 40 Years of Business Excellence
Established in 1983, Alsulaiman Group has grown from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of the Saudi business landscape, best known as IKEA's first-ever franchisee. In June 2023, the group diversified its retail portfolio and secured exclusive franchise rights for Circle K, a renowned Canadian convenience store chain.
Optimedia: A Leader in European PVC and Aluminium Journey
Founded in 1994, Optimedia stands as one of Europe's leading B2B manufacturers of PVC and aluminium joinery, with core expertise in high-quality windows and doors. Optimedia's products are renowned for their durability, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovative design, setting them apart from competitors. The company currently has 60 showrooms and dealers in Romania and its products are sold across six continents.
Insa Oil: An Exceptional Partner
Developing since the 1990s and boasting a 25-30% market share and around 700 clients, Insa Oil is one of the leading producers of petroleum products in Bulgaria, with a track record and reputation that attracts both clients and major international partners.
Ooredoo Oman: Empowering Oman's Digital Economy
Since launching services in 2005, Ooredoo Oman has been a driving force in the nation's digital evolution and serves approximately 3 million customers. With the backing of Ooredoo Group, a global telecom giant with a customer base of around 159 million, Ooredoo Oman is connecting people, businesses, and the government with the digital tools they need to succeed.
PM-International: A Champion of the Global Nutritional Supplements Industry
Headquartered in Luxembourg since 2015, PM-International is the sixth largest direct sales distribution company in the world, according to Direct Selling News, and specialises in health, fitness, and beauty. PM-International offers a premium range of scientifically formulated nutritional supplements and high-grade cosmetics with the goal of helping people around the world to improve their quality of life and wellbeing.
OQ Technology: Spearheading the Global 5G Wireless Revolution
Founded in 2016, OQ Technology is a pioneering satellite telecommunications company. Leveraging a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deploy Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) connectivity, OQ is the world's first and fastest-growing 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) IoT satellite operator in LEO. OQ's patented technology is connecting billions worldwide and supports mobile operators and businesses in sectors ranging from oil & gas to farming, the maritime industry, logistics, mining, and security.
Hungary: Connecting the World to Europe
Since the global pandemic, Hungary has demonstrated resilience by posting solid economic gains and is now on track for strong GDP growth in 2024 and 2025, a 2.4% and 3.5%, respectively, according to the European Commission. Alongside a robust labour market and wage-driven rising consumption, the Commission emphasised the government's investment support schemes (especially in real estate) and large-scale FDI-financed projects as key drivers of the economy's expansion.
Adriatic Bank: Supporting International Investment in Montenegro
Established just four years ago, Adriatic Bank has rapidly emerged as one of Montenegro's most successful banks. It is currently the fifth-largest bank in the country in terms of assets, a remarkable feat considering it is also the youngest in the sector.
Export Development Bank of Egypt: Strategy for Success
Occupying a unique and pivotal role in Egypt's vibrant economic ecosystem, the Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank) was established in 1983 and commenced commercial operations the following year. Originally, its primary purpose was to support exporters, playing a vital part in cultivating Egypt's thriving export oriented economy, which continues to be a core focus of the Bank's portfolio. In recent years EBank has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a fully-fledged commercial bank.
Orascom Development: Pioneering Sustainable Communities and Premier Destinations
Founded in 1989, Orascom Development Holding is a leading international developer renowned for its diverse portfolio of 10 worldclass destinations spanning five countries and three continents. Orascom Development's pioneering business model of transforming empty spaces into vibrant, self-sufficient communities, towns, and resorts has set the standard for master-planned developmentsworldwide.
Bloom Holding: Premium Community Living in Abu Dhabi
UAE's real estate sector has been a magnet for investors for decades now, and house prices have risen steadily for years, including Abu Dhabi residential sale prices having risen 7% y-o-y in the first quarter of 2024 according to international property business JLL. Abu Dhabi-based Bloom Holding is breaking new ground in this dynamic sector and expanding its role both as a partner to international investors in the UAE, and as an investor abroad.
Tamer Group: Accelerating Vision 2030 Through World-Class Healthcare Services
Tamer Group is One of Saudi Arabia's most trusted healthcare & wellness providers. Founded in 1922 by Dr. Mohammed Said Tamer – who opened the first pharmacy in the Arabian Peninsula – Tamer Group is helping to drive the kingdom's healthcare transformation through a variety of integrated services, from pharmaceutical supply manufacturing to e-commerce and logistics.
Budget Rent a Car, Saudi: Championing a Brighter, Greener Future for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's transportation industry holds a pivotal role in its Vision 2030 agenda, both as a catalyst for economic and environmental progress and by supporting the boom in tourism. With a rich history spanning over 45 years, Budget Saudi (United International Transportation Co.) stands as the world's largest franchisee of Budget Rent a Car. Leading the car rental market in Saudi Arabia, Budget Saudi commands an extensive fleet of vehicles and offers a comprehensive range of transportation and logistics solutions for both individual and corporate clients.
Beretta Holding: The Legendary Italian Family Dynasty Diversifying to Succeed
Established in 1995 as the holding company of famed industrial dynasty Beretta – whose origins date back to 1526 – Beretta Holding is a globally recognized leader in firearms, optics, ammunition, clothing and accessories dedicated to hunting, sports, and other outdoor pursuits, as well as defense & law enforcement. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the group currently comprises over 50 individual companies, including prestigious brands like Beretta, Benelli, Chapuis, Armes, Manurhin, SAKO, Steiner, and Holland & Holland, and stands as an enduring symbol of Italian craftsmanship, technology and uncompromising quality worldwide.
Jerich International: Holistic Logistics
With its strategic location at the heart of Europe, Austria is a natural centre for the logistics industry. The country has become a global leader in logistics innovation, including in environmentally-friendly freight transportation. The industry has a turnover of around EUR34bn, according to official figures, making it a key economic contributor. Austria's Jerich International has become a leader on international markets since its foundation more than 50 years ago, following a deliberate customer-focused strategy that has brought it blue-chip clients globally, including Amazon.
American Hospital Dubai: UAE's Healthcare Leader
The country's economic growth and growing profile as a medical tourism destination support the healthcare sector's rapid expansion. According to Omnia Health, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 9% by 2023, making it one of the economy's most dynamic sectors. American Hospital Dubai is the first hospital in the Middle East to have American standards and expertise, serving the people of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. It is the region's number one specialist healthcare leader, offering orthopedics, oncology, and pediatrics, among various centers and specialist units.
The Agram Concern: Croatia's Entrepreneurial Success Story
Croatia's growing affluence has supported the growth of the insurance sector, which collected premiums of EUR1.7bn in 2023, up 7.1% on 2022, according to official figures. One of the largest business entities in South East Europe (SEE), the Agram Concern is a regional leader in this thriving market, but also has extensive activities in sectors including healthcare, tourism, financial services, and banking.
SIBO Group: A Trusted Partner in Global Packaging Solutions
Manufacturing holds a pivotal position in Slovenia's economy. Notably, 25% of the sector's value-added comes from the domestic chemical industry, with two-thirds of these companies engaged in plastic processing. These firms are crucial in supplying plastic packaging products for industrial and consumer use, benefiting from Slovenia's unique concentration of tool and mould makers—the highest per capita in Europe. At the forefront of these key players is SIBO Group, a distinguished leader in developing and producing plastic components such as caps, closures, bottles for packaging solutions. With over half a century of unparalleled expertise, SIBO group also excels in supplying components for medical devices and delivering technical solutions across a broad range of industries.
BreadTalk Group: Leading Singapore's F&B Industry to New Horizons
Food & Beverage (F&B) services are integral to Singapore's domestic consumption, with sales in the sector estimated at SGD 1 billion in February this year – a 14.7% year-on-year increase – according to the Singapore Department of Statistics (DOS). One of Singapore's most prominent F&B players is BreadTalk Group, a pioneer of the artisanal bakery scene and owner and operator of multiple household-name brands ranging from restaurants to food atriums, including Din Tai Fung, Toast Box, Food Junction, and Food Republic. BreadTalk Group is behind some of Singapore's most celebrated foods and dishes and operates 700 outlets across 14 international markets.
Tanmia: Partner in the Sultanate
Favourable oil prices and "sustained reform momentum" are driving Oman's economy forward, according to a recent assessment by the IMF. The Fund commended the Sultanate's macroeconomic management and its progress on its "ambitious structural reform agenda", that will support Oman's development going ahead. Oman National Investments Development Company, known as Tanmia, is the gateway to this flourishing, promising market. Tanmia is able to leverage its ultra-stable shareholders, underpinned by the Special Protection Fund – a recently-created consolidated national pension organization - and the Oman Investment Authority, the Sultanate's sovereign wealth fund.
Japan: Vibrant, Pioneering, Confident
In the post-pandemic landscape of global business, Japan has emerged as the new darling of investors. Last year, the net flow of foreign money into Japanese stocks reached a decade-high of JPY 7.69 trillion, led by countries like the UK, which increased its average monthly investment by ten times, according to data from the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Fearing missing out, deep-pocketed US investors are now gearing up to make this year another record breaker – Bain Capital recently announced it intends to double its investment in Japan. Meanwhile, tech giants like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, as well as major semiconductor players like TSMC, are upping their investments and generating a constant stream of cash flowing into core industries.
Japan: Asia's Leading Post-Pandemic Economy
If 2023 marked Japan's breakout, 2024 could herald the beginning of a decade-long ascent as Asia's premier investment destination. Clear indicators abound, notably the Nikkei index's historic surge beyond its late 1980s peak, surpassing 40,000 for the first time in history, alongside a significant rise in wages at major firms—the highest percentage increase seen in 33 years.
Japan: The Technologies of Tomorrow, Here Today
According to Morgan Stanley, nominal growth – which gives a clearer picture of Japan's economy than real growth – reached 5% in 2023, its highest level since 1991. For comparison, Japan's nominal growth averaged just 0.2% between 1995 and 2020. Likewise, inflation has kept above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for the past 18 months, incentivizing businesses and households to switch from saving to investing. Recognising the opportunity, global investors are piling in.
Japan: Growth and Innovation
What sets Japan's current equity market apart from its previous highs is its significantly increased affordability. As per Goldman Sachs Research, 46% of equities on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's (TSE) Prime Market are presently trading below their book value, a stark contrast to just 5% of their S&P 500 counterparts. Coupled with the TSE's incentives for companies to enhance valuations and earnings, in tandem with Japan's exceptionally low borrowing costs and interest rates, this renders it an attractive playing field for investors.
Japan: Dawn Breaks for the Rising Sun
Boasting a multi-decade-high equity market, a supply chain haven for countries diversifying away from China, and "immense technological innovation and digitalization," according to the IMF, Japan continues to remind global investors why, in 2023, they should bet on Asia's largest and most advanced economy. Enabled by the Bank of Japan's ultra-loose monetary policy, this year marks a historic turning point for Japan – a meaningful return to healthy inflation after three decades of stagflation.
Japan: Upgrading capitalism by equipping today's businesses with tomorrow's technologies
As the Nikkei index rockets to heights last seen at the peak of Japan's post-war miracle economy, investors worldwide have reached a consensus: Japan is a 'buy.' According to analysts from Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, record gains have been driven by the high upside in Japan's equity market, a position all but confirmed by the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) itself – when it outlined plans this March to force companies trading below their book value to increase their stock prices.