Hana Financial Group, Saudi EXIM forge global collaboration

Hana Financial Group and Saudi EXIM signed a business agreement to collaborate on global projects in the Middle East, focusing on financial support for Saudi Vision 2030.

Hana Financial Group Vice Chairman Lee Eun-hyung, far left, poses for a photo with Park Joon-yong, South Korean ambassador to Saudi Arabia, middle, and Saudi Exim chief executive officer Saad Al-Khalb following the signing of a business agreement at the bank headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday. [HANA FINANCIAL GROUP]

Hana Financial Group signed a business agreement with Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) to discover joint global projects in the Middle East and to help Korean firms find opportunities in the region , said the Seoul-based financial company on Tuesday.

Hana Financial Group Vice Chairman Lee Eun-hyung paid a visit to the headquarters of the National Development Fund (NDF) in Riyadh , which was created with the vision to help ensure a sustainable future for Saudi Arabia, to sign the agreement.

Saad Al-Khalb, ((+CEO of Saudi Export-Import Bank,)) and Abdulelah Alnemr, deputy governor at NDF, were among those Lee met during his trip to the country.

Hana and Saudi EXIM vowed to cooperate in diverse areas, including sharing of financial solutions and knowledge to companies based in the two countries.

Hana added it will provide financial support for the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, an ambitious road map that aims to transform the country into a modern and diversified economy. It includes a project to build an eco-friendly city named NEOM in the country.

“I’m very grateful to be able to meet a sincere partner in finance amid an expanding partnership between Korea and Saudi Arabia,” said Lee in a statement. He added Hana will financially contribute to helping Korean companies increase their roles in the Middle East along with the country’s development.

Hana entered the Middle East in 1977 and runs three banks in the region, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]