MUFG today announces that its banking subsidiary, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd, has signed a Framework of Co-operation (Framework) with the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).

SAGIA is a government body whose main objective is to oversee investment affairs, including foreign investment, within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MUFG has recently received preliminary approval from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority to establish a branch within the Kingdom. The Framework is a further milestone for MUFG, cementing its efforts to positively contribute to economic development within the Kingdom.

ElyasAlgaseer, co-head of MUFG in the Middle East said: “The Framework will enable both MUFG and SAGIA to support the development of trade and investment between Japan and the Kingdom. The execution of the Framework with SAGIA demonstrates MUFG’s commitment to the Kingdom generally, and more particularly around the development of trade and investment between Japan and the Kingdom.”

SAGIA is focussed on enhancing investments and economic development within the Kingdom, creating a business-friendly environment, servicing investors and fostering investment opportunities into the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s largest oil reserves and is a major energy producer and exporter. In addition to having the largest economic scale in the Middle East, the Kingdom has a promising market with population of over 30 million. The Kingdom is also a member of the G20, and represents a strong presence as one of the leading countries in the Middle East and North Africa. There are around 120 Japanese companies who operate within the Kingdom, and it is expected that this number will continue to increase.