Bloomberg Societe Generale SA sees more opportunities in Saudi Arabia as the kingdom seeks to diversify its economy away from oil, the bank’s chief executive officer for the Middle East said. “One of the major things is the launch of the renewable energy program which is a big thing for all the countries in the region and we will definitely …

Bloomberg The European Investment Bank (EIB) plans to double its funding for infrastructure development in Kenya this year if government bureaucracy in approving projects eases. The Luxembourg-based lender targets to disburse 200 million euros ($227 million) of loans, half of which will be available for the Kenya Ports Authority to refurbish berths at East Africa’s busiest sea-port in Mombasa county, …

Bloomberg National Australia Bank Ltd shares fell after the chief executive officer and chairman both resigned, becoming the highest-profile casualties of a sweeping inquiry into misconduct in the country’s financial industry. Andrew Thorburn, 53, and Chairman Ken Henry, 61, announced their departures, just days after being the target of withering criticism in the Royal Commission’s final report, which questioned whether …

Bloomberg When it comes to industry competition, executives at Delta Air Lines Inc. have never been accused of jabbing with soft elbows. That ferocity was on full display as the carrier launched its first Airbus SE A220 flights from Boston, Dallas and New York, deploying the technologically advanced aircraft in hotly contested business routes at large hubs that are critical …

Bloomberg Qantas Airways Ltd’s vision for the first direct flights from Sydney to London is inching closer to reality as Boeing Co. and Airbus SE finalize proposals for longer-range jets needed to span the 10,600-mile trip. Qantas is also stepping up work on making the estimated 20-hour journey to the UK capital and cities including New York and Paris more …

Bloomberg A shortage of pilots has caused chaos for thousands of passengers during peak travel season in the region, as cockpit crew complaining of overwork extended a strike at Taiwan’s biggest carrier to a fourth day. Since the pilots’ union of China Airlines Ltd. decided to stay away from work, the carrier has scrapped more than 60 flights, taking the …

Bloomberg Mattel Inc. soared as much as 30 percent, the biggest intraday gain on record after the toymaker’s quarterly results blew past estimates, and posted its first earnings beat in three years. Analysts applauded the Barbie- and Hot Wheels-driven sales strength and believe that, together with the gross margin and earnings beat, shares should move higher. And, while highlighting global …

Bloomberg Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has approved a plan to ease levies businesses pay on foreign workers to help revive economic growth. Authorities will exempt some companies from paying the 2018 fees or reimburse those that have already paid, according to the official-Saudi Press Agency. To qualify for the aid, businesses need to have made strides in hiring more Saudi …

Dubai / WAM Rt Hon Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for International Trade, has said that the UK enjoys strong trading relations with GCC countries and is looking forward to have a free trade agreement with the bloc in the right time. He also said that the World Government Summit is very indicative of the UAE getting increasingly outward …

Emirates Business Lockheed Martin, the United States-based global technology leader, is set to showcase its latest advanced technology solutions at the 14th edition of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (Idex), the only one in the Mena region, to be held in Abu Dhabi from February 17-21. At Idex, the defense and security firm will highlight a diverse portfolio of …