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Major infrastructure projects and extensive plans to galvanise residential construction have fuelled demand for building materials in Saudi Arabia, prompting the government to intervene in the cement market for the second time in as many years. Steel, another vital building material, is also experiencing consistently high demand in the Kingdom.

A pesar del sólido crecimiento macroeconómico y del aumento en los ingresos de la última década, la penetración de los seguros en Colombia sigue siendo baja. Se espera que los grandes proyectos de infraestructura de la llamada cuarta generación, que se encuentran próximos a su ejecución, generen oportunidades de ampliación de cobertura, al tiempo que los proveedores buscan nuevas formas de llegar al mercado minorista.

Delivery of a key new 450-MW combined heat and power plant known as CHP5 continues to face implementation uncertainties, with competing projects likely causing a delay in the final investment decision in the near term. Foreign participants who spoke to OBG remain interested in offering technology and expertise. However, progress appears to be stalling as a result of an internal debate over project viability.

Access to financing in Myanmar has been traditionally limited to an elite stratum of companies closely linked to the government, with smaller businesses turning to family and friends for raising funds. However, this is set to change, with a new bourse, to be known as the Yangon Stock Exchange (YSE), under development.

The recent promotion of the UAE to “emerging market” status could well boost capital inflows to Dubai, although the full effect of the change is likely to take some time to become apparent.

The government’s recent commitment of more than $1.3bn to the Omani fisheries sector is the latest step in a series of investments that will lay the groundwork for growth in the industry and open the door for new opportunities for private businesses.