SUZHOU, China, April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The city of Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province, held a global investment promotion conference on Friday, themed “Invest In Suzhou For A Win-win Future”, culminating in the signing of 367 projects on-site, according to the Information Office of Suzhou Municipal People’s Government.

The event saw participation from 429 of the world’s Fortune 500 companies. Total investment for the signed projects amounting to around 372 billion yuan (about 51.3 billion U.S. dollars), including 30 projects from such companies. These projects span various high-tech industries, including new energy, high-end equipment, advanced materials, and biopharmaceuticals.

Cao Guofen, Deputy Director of Suzhou’s Commerce Bureau, noted that the city has attracted 4 percent of the country’s actualized foreign investment, with 175 Fortune 500 companies already investing in 486 projects in the city. Since the beginning of this year, Suzhou has signed a total of 809 projects, with an aggregate investment exceeding 580 billion yuan.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Specialist agriculture investor AgDevCo has made an equity investment, for a significant minority position, into East African agri- business platform Agris – the agriculture division of Maris Ltd.

The investment will support the growth of Agris’ production and distribution of high- quality herbs, vegetables, and avocados from its farms in Kenya, serving domestic and international markets.

“The Agris team has already built three impressive agriculture businesses in Kenya. We’re excited about deepening our partnership in East Africa, with the aim to promote food security, create jobs in rural areas and help drive the development of world-class agro- industries,” said Chris Isaac, AgDevCo’s CIO.

Agris’ three operating companies – Evergreen Fresh, Evergreen Herbs and Evergreen Avocados – have grown rapidly since Agris was founded in 2020. Evergreen Herbs was started by rehabilitating two farms near Nairobi and is now one of the largest producers of fresh cut herbs in East Africa, with year-round production and more than 2,000 employees.

Evergreen Fresh distributes fruit and vegetables from Agris’ farms and outgrower network to all major outlets in Kenya. It promotes transparent purchasing relationships with farmers and offers consumers quality and consistency via dedicated cold-chain distribution.

Evergreen Avocados is a joint venture with Granot, a world-leading avocado producer and distributor, to grow more than 400ha of avocados for export at Ndabibi farm in Naivasha. In March 2023 AgDevCo made an USD 8m investment in Evergreen Avocados, via a mezzanine loan flexibly structured to support new avocado orchards, which take up to four years to mature. Ndabibi will also be home to a technical research and development facility to support the development of the wider avocado industry in Kenya.

“This investment will help us deploy innovative agri-business practices, to consistently and sustainably produce high-quality fruit and vegetables for the local market and consumers overseas, and continue growing with our partners,” said Ran Kadosh, Agris’ CEO. “It’s the type of transformation we need to see across East African agriculture – to accelerate the region’s integration into global food systems so that African producers play a larger role in global food security.”

Legal support was provided by Charles Russell Speechlys, YKJ Legal and Anjarwalla & Khanna for AgDevCo, and Angeli Arora from Allectus Law for Agris.

Agris is a subsidiary of Maris Ltd, an early-stage investment group with more than USD 100m under management across sub-Saharan Africa. Agris offers investors unique access to an integrated portfolio of agri-business operations positioned to meet rising global demand for high-quality food fresh produce.

More information can be found at: www.agris.group

AgDevCo is a specialist investor in African agriculture, growing sustainable and impactful agribusiness, with USD 280m under management. Their vision is a thriving commercial agriculture sector, which benefits both people and planet by investing in and supporting agribusinesses to grow, create jobs, produce, and process food and link farmers to markets. They support their partners to work towards climate sustainability, and where possible, regenerative solutions. AgDevCo has made more than 65 investments to date.

More information can be found at www.agdevco.com

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• Major SAR 1.1 billion development to transform a significant 103,000 square meter plot into a premium commercial hub in Riyadh.
• Located on Prince Turki I Road, the project promises Grade A office spaces and extensive amenities with excellent road access.
• This partnership aims to enhance investor capital through a focused, income-generating property strategy.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ezdihar Real Estate Development Company, in collaboration with Al-Istithmar Securities and Brokerage Company (Al-Istithmar Capital), the investment arm of the Saudi Investment Bank, proudly announces the creation of a new real estate fund valued at SAR 1.1 billion. This fund is focused on the development of an international standard office and commercial precinct in the vibrant heart of Riyadh.

This initiative targets the strategic development of a 103,000 square meter prime plot located on the King Saud University campus along Prince Turki I Road. The planned commercial office complex represents a unique real estate development opportunity, aiming to become a landmark project in Riyadh.

The development is designed as a Grade A office park that will feature state-of-the-art design and compelling amenities, setting a new standard for modern business environments. Situated in the sought after north/west district of Riyadh, the project will enjoy excellent roadway access with direct connections to King Khalid International Airport, and all the mega and giga projects driving the growth of Riyadh. The location is centred in the “growth engine” of Riyadh and has been strategically chosen to attract leading businesses looking for premium office space in a dynamic area.

The business plan focuses on building a strong income-generating office complex that promises substantial returns for investors. A lifestyle orientation is built into every aspect of the design, incorporating significant green areas and ample circulation spaces to enhance the workplace atmosphere. Additionally, the complex will include multiple building types to accommodate a wide range of tenant space requirements, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to meet diverse business needs.

Mr. AbdulMohsen bin Fawaz AlHokair, CEO of Ezdihar Real Estate Development Company, shared his enthusiasm about the project, stating: “This project aligns seamlessly with our commitment to provide distinctive, quality-oriented projects that exceed our clients’ expectations.”

Mr. Khaled bin Abdulaziz AlRayes, CEO of Alistithmar Capital, added: “Through this partnership, we aim to meet and adapt to the evolving market demands by offering high-quality, value-added investment opportunities that optimize benefits and maximize returns.”

This partnership represents a significant step in advancing Riyadh’s development as a leading hub for real estate investment, further positioning Ezdihar Real Estate Development and Al-Istithmar Capital at the forefront of the region’s real estate market.

About Ezdihar Real Estate Development:

Ezdihar, a dynamic force within the Fawaz Alhokair Group and nurtured by Ezdihar Holding, is transforming the real estate landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a company committed to enriching the quality of life, Ezdihar meticulously crafts distinctive urban landscapes that blend seamlessly with the rhythms of modern life. With a focus on creating exceptional living spaces and iconic destinations, Ezdihar’s visionary projects are integral to the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, aiming to elevate standards of living, working, and recreation. The company is set to achieve 1 million+ sqm of gross leasable area and deliver 2,000 residential units by 2030, through its development in major cities underpinned by four premier masterplans. Ezdihar is dedicated to enhancing community well-being across Saudi Arabia through innovative designs, astute financial management, and a commitment to excellence in all phases of development, from site selection to after-sales support.

Please visit www.Ezdihar.com.

About Al-Istithmar Capital:

Alistithmar for Financial Securities and Brokerage Company (Alistithmar Capital) is a leading Saudi closed joint stock company with a paid up capital of SR 250 Million, 100% owned subsidiary of The Saudi Investment Bank. Licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) under license No. 11156-37 dated 02/06/2007, to provide services in Dealing, Managing Investments and Operating Funds, Arranging, Advising and Custody.

Alistithmar Capital provides views and analysis across different asset classes, policies, and economies in both local and regional market, through an expert team that strives to deliver outstanding performance.

Please visit www.icap.com.

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