News from ANZ
|
29.04.2024
Valuable insights for german-speaking companies: Yes
An interview with Senior Vice President of WIKA, Tino Reppe
Are you a German-speaking company considering expanding your business into the Middle East? Keep an eye on Saudi Arabia, a rapidly growing economy with a business-friendly environment. But where do you begin?
Senior Vice President of WIKA and expert of the Middle East and North Africa region, Tino Reppe, played a significant role in setting up and developing WIKA’s business operations in Saudi Arabia. He now has shared his valuable insights and experiences in an interview with our Managing Partner MEAI Marie-Christin Gabel.
According to Mr. Reppe, Saudi Arabia is a highly significant market for many companies, including his company WIKA (a German manufacturer of measuring instruments). Establishing a local presence is essential for serving clients (eg. Saudi Aramco and Sabic) not just regionally. Aramco, in particular, is a significant customer for WIKA, as many EPCs contractors from countries such as Italy, Spain, Korea and Japan deal with them. However, in order to maintain and increase a companies’ market share, it is essential to keep up with Saudi Aramco’s IKTVA program. This programme includes various initiatives aimed at promoting the localization of technologies and production to increase investment, economic diversity and employment opportunities within KSA. The trend in Saudi Arabia is that the requirements of these programs are becoming more stringent, making it necessary for companies to establish a local production assembly and put their footprint in the country. Failure to do so could lead to being pushed out of the market.
When Tino Reppe refers to establishing a presence for WIKA in Saudi Arabia, he was primarily discussing the creation of a manufacturing or assembly facility. While establishing a manufacturing or assembly facility is possible, it requires extensive research and planning. Acquiring a license from the Investment Authority, to establish a company with a Commercial Registration (CR) in Saudi Arabia is a relatively straightforward process and can be completed in a matter of months. However, the more challenging aspect lies in finding a suitable location, obtaining necessary approvals from several ministries and other related tasks. These can be time-consuming and difficult. Additionally, the process of
Saudisation, which mandates that a certain percentage of Saudi nationals be employed by the company, can pose a challenge for HR, even though it is possible to find skilled local staff.
It is important to consider the consequences of not establishing a production or legal entity in Saudi Arabia. Without such a presence, the companies market share could shrink due to increasing Saudisation requirements, making it difficult to supply products to Saudi Arabia. Competitors who already have operations in the country would further capture the market.
So why should companies pursue this? There are several opportunities to consider. Firstly, there are significant developments in the field of gas which is the bridge from energy to renewables in the coming years. Saudi Arabia is one the world’s largest oil & gas producer with vast reserves. Additionally, hydrogen is poised to become the new black gold with enormous investments being made in the sector.
However, it is important to note that despite moving towards renewables and reducing carbon footprints, the global consumption of oil is set to increase from around 90 million barrels per day to more than 105 million per day by 2030. This means that there will still be significant investments made in the oil industry in the years to come.
If a German company intends to establish an entity in Saudi Arabia, the advice given by Tino Reppe depends on company´s current level of presence in the country. Based on his experience, he advises German-speaking companies with no presence, that the first step would be to establish a partnership and distribution network. For those companies already present with a partner network, the decision to move into local assembly or manufacturing can be made with the support of the professional Saudi Arabian General Investment
Authority. The ease of doing business in Saudi Arabia has improved greatly over the past five years, making it a better environment for foreign businesses.
In conclusion, expanding your business into Saudi Arabia requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the legal requirements, business practices, and cultural differences of the region. But with the right strategy and network on your side, Saudi Arabia can offer significant opportunities for companies looking to grow their business globally. Utilize Tino Reppe’s suggestions and insights to set your company up for success in Saudi Arabia.
Learn the latest about us and our projects around the world.
To never miss an opportunity, subscribe to our newsletter.
Departer´s CEO & Co-Founder Norman Sterz and Regional Manager ANZ Sabina Langenhan Are Strengthening German-Australian Business Ties We are proud to announce the appointment of Norman Sterz, along with Brisbane-based Sabina Langenhan, as the Australian representatives of the prestigious German Association for Small and Medium-sized Businesses (BVMW International). In this role, Norman and Sabina will […]
The UAE government has introduced the “Work Bundle” initiative to streamline employee residency processes and work permits for private sector companies. Initially, this program will be rolled out in Dubai, with plans to extend it to other emirates over time.
The revocation of previous insolvency laws signals a new chapter for insolvency procedures in the UAE, marked by improved efficiency, transparency, and creditor safeguards. Adherence to the new Bankruptcy Law is essential for businesses in the UAE, as failure to comply could lead to penalties.
Looking forward, we anticipate the issuance of executive regulations to supplement the new law, offering additional guidance on its implementation. In the interim, existing regulations and resolutions will remain in effect, ensuring a seamless transition and stability in the insolvency framework.
Saudi Arabia is swiftly evolving into a global leader. By 2023, the country achieved an impressive 87% of its Vision 2030 goals, significantly boosting non-oil revenues to $121.8 billion and reducing unemployment to 7.7%. These milestones underscore the kingdom’s dedication to sustainable growth and economic diversification.
Vision 2030 has propelled Saudi Arabia to third place among G20 countries in economic competitiveness. This remarkable ascent is driven by comprehensive reforms in performance, infrastructure, and efficiency, firmly positioning Saudi Arabia as a key global economic player.
Crisis times present unique challenges for companies, especially in times of employer branding. However, strong employer branding can make a significant difference by enhancing the company’s attractiveness in the job market. In this article, we explore why employer branding is crucial during crises, strategies and examples that mid-sized companies can employ to strengthen their employer […]
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, rapidly establishing itself as a global economic leader. With substantial progress towards its Vision 2030 goals, the Kingdom presents a wealth of opportunities for European and DACH businesses looking to expand into a dynamic and evolving market. Vision 2030: Pioneering Sustainable Growth By the end of 2023, Saudi […]
India’s thriving economy has attracted global attention, presenting enticing opportunities for foreign investors. Leading the G20 nations in economic expansion, India boasted a remarkable 7.2% growth in the fiscal year 2022-23 and is poised to sustain this momentum with a projected GDP growth rate of 6.9% in 2023-24. As the top economy in the European […]
China is updating its rules for companies and one big change is how they involve employees in decision-making. Starting July 1, 2024, companies with over 300 employees must include employee representatives in their management teams. This is a departure from the old rule, which mainly applied to state-owned companies. Now this will impact not only […]
Dubai’s booming economy continues to be a magnet for businesses around the globe. The city’s strategic location, bridging the East and the West, coupled with its world-class infrastructure, creates an ideal environment for businesses to thrive. This cosmopolitan city has become a global hub for trade, finance, tourism and innovation, attracting entrepreneurs, investors and professionals.
Two months ago, the European Union has celebrated the opening of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (ECCKSA). This strategic move is set to significantly enhance economic ties between the EU and the Gulf region, offering new possibilities for businesses across Europe, particularly those from the DACH region, looking to […]
In compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Commerce, all companies operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are required to amend their articles of association to align with the new companies system outlined in Royal Decree No. (M/132) dated 01/12/1443 AH and its executive regulations as per the decision of His Excellency the […]
Are you an employee or HR decision-maker working in a German, Austrian or Swiss (DACH) company in the United Arab Emirates? If so, we have a special invitation for you! We invite you to participate in the HR & Salary Survey 2024-25, a collaborative effort between Departer and the AHK (German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry […]
Transforming Stress into Strength for Leaders and Organizations In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, Departer – The Know-Who People presents an insightful interview with Dr. med. Anne Pfeiffer, a renowned Mind-Body Medicine Therapist, Doctor of General Medicine and Doctor of Occupational Medicine. In this expert interview, Dr. Pfeiffer addresses common health challenges in today’s […]
The Blue Residency will specifically be granted to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations, international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organisations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work,” the UAE Cabinet announcement said.
Empowering SMEs: The Impact of Executive Search Firms on Talent Acquisition In today’s competitive landscape, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the world face critical challenges in securing top-tier executive talent. These challenges are combined with time constraints, access to specialized skills and the need for confidentiality in sensitive hires. Executive Search firms, like Departer […]
The economic outlook for Saudi Arabia remains positive, with continued momentum expected in diversification efforts and economic reforms. German, Swiss and Austrian companies can capitalize on emerging opportunities in the following ways: While opportunities abound, German, Swiss and Austrian companies must navigate cultural differences, regulatory complexities, and geopolitical risks. Additionally, ensuring compliance with local laws […]
Departer is a leading German Executive Search company with more than two decades of experience in multinational leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA and ANZ. Our in-depth understanding of the DACH economy forms the cornerstone of international success stories. Contact Departer today […]
Valuable Insights from the CEO of AHK – Interview with Oliver Oehms, CEO of the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK). Marie-Christin Gabel, our Managing Partner MEAI, conducted an interview […]
As we celebrate Labour Day, it’s time to pause and celebrate the heartbeat of our organizations: Our workforce, our employees! At Departer – The Know-Who People, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of strong HR leadership, especially after our recent Conference in Rome, where we had the privilege of meeting all incredible team members face-to-face […]
From our market expert ANZ Sabina Langenhan – she interviewed Stefan Augustin (Investment Director for Trade and Investment Queensland) […]
In today’s dynamic job market, HR Managers play a pivotal role in shaping an organization’s success by attracting, hiring and retaining top talent. …