1. Tanmiah and Vibra Agroindustrial Sign Strategic MoU
In a significant move towards enhancing its processing capacity and operational efficiency, Tanmiah Food Company, a leading Saudi poultry producer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Brazil’s Vibra Agroindustrial. This partnership aims to explore potential investments and strategic collaborations between the two companies.
The MoU, which has an initial tenure of two months with a provision for extension, is part of Tanmiah’s strategic vision for global leadership and sustainable growth in the food sector. The collaboration seeks to leverage Vibra’s cost-efficient production expertise in Brazil and Tanmiah’s commitment to high Halal standards to establish a global Halal brand.
The investment will focus on expanding Tanmiah’s processing capabilities and improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the partnership aims to enhance food security in Saudi Arabia by achieving self-sufficiency in poultry meat and products, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The agreement includes plans for Vibra to invest in Tanmiah’s further processing business, expanding capacity using locally sourced chicken. There is also a joint investment in primary processing operations in Brazil to strengthen the global poultry supply chain.
Tanmiah’s recent financial results for 2024 showed a 22.5% increase in revenue, reaching approximately SR2.56 billion (around $682.7 million), and a 26.2% rise in net profit, supported by cost optimisation. This partnership with Vibra is expected to further bolster Tanmiah’s growth and operational efficiency.
2. Microsoft to Invest $700M in Poland’s Cybersecurity
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In a significant move to enhance Poland’s digital infrastructure, Microsoft has announced a $700 million investment aimed at bolstering the country’s cybersecurity and cloud capabilities. This investment, equivalent to approximately 2.8 billion zlotys, is set to be completed by June 2026 and marks a major step in Poland’s digital transformation journey.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Cloud Infrastructure
Microsoft’s investment will focus on expanding its existing data center campuses in Poland, bringing a wider range of Azure services to meet the growing demand for cloud computing in the region. This initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies, thereby stimulating digital transformation and enhancing Poland’s economic competitiveness.
Collaboration with Polish National Defence
A key component of this investment is Microsoft’s collaboration with the Polish National Defence to establish a framework for strengthening national cybersecurity. This partnership aims to develop AI competencies and leverage emerging disruptive technologies such as cloud computing, AI, and quantum computing to bolster Poland’s cybersecurity resilience.
Economic and Workforce Impact
The investment is not only about technology but also about people. Microsoft plans to equip the Polish workforce with AI-related skills and create new jobs in the technology sector. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Poland’s economic growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
A Vote of Confidence in Poland
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, emphasised the importance of this investment, stating, “We appreciate the critical role that Poland plays in the European Union, and we are committed to helping to protect its cybersecurity and cyber resilience. Our goal is to bring the most advanced AI infrastructure to every sector of the Polish economy, strengthening the nation’s economic competitiveness.”
Conclusion
Microsoft’s $700 million investment in Poland represents a significant commitment to enhancing the country’s cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. By collaborating with the Polish National Defence and focusing on AI and cloud technologies, Microsoft aims to support Poland’s digital transformation and economic growth, ensuring a secure and competitive future for the nation.
3. Nissan Reaffirms Thai Production Commitment
Nissan Motor has reaffirmed its dedication to vehicle production in Thailand, dispelling local concerns following the automaker’s recent global restructuring announcements. This commitment was confirmed during a meeting between Nissan executives and Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the secretary-general of the Thai Board of Investment.
Strategic Restructuring
Nissan plans to consolidate its Thai vehicle production at its newer plant in Samut Prakan, which was built in 2014. The older plant, established in 1975, will be repurposed to produce body parts and eventually electric vehicle (EV) components, including battery packs. This restructuring is part of Nissan’s broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance cost efficiency.
Focus on Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
As part of its future plans, Nissan aims to introduce new models, including electric and hybrid vehicles, at its Thai plant over the next two years. The company intends to apply for government incentives to support this new investment. The Thai government has been proactive in supporting the automotive industry, particularly in the transition to electric vehicles, through various measures and incentives.
Continued Investment and Support
Despite the global production cuts, Thailand remains a key market for Nissan in the ASEAN region. The company’s facilities in Thailand are its only wholly-owned manufacturing operations in the region, following the closure of its plants in Indonesia several years ago. Nissan’s regional headquarters is also located in Thailand, underscoring the country’s importance to the automaker’s regional strategy.
Government Support
The Thai government, through the BOI and the EV Board, has introduced numerous measures to support the production of electric vehicles. These measures aim to make Thailand a leading production and export hub for next-generation vehicles. Narit Therdsteerasukdi emphasised the government’s dedication to maintaining the competitiveness of the automotive industry and supporting Japanese companies that have invested in Thailand for over 50 years.
Conclusion
Nissan’s commitment to Thailand is a positive signal for the country’s automotive industry. By focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles and leveraging government incentives, Nissan aims to strengthen its position in the region and contribute to Thailand’s goal of becoming a leading hub for next-generation vehicle production.
4. Ørsted commences Taiwan wind farm construction
February 2025 – Ørsted has officially begun the offshore construction of the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms in Taiwan, marking a significant milestone in the region’s transition to renewable energy. This landmark project, awarded to Ørsted in June 2018, will deliver 920MW of clean energy, significantly contributing to Taiwan’s energy goals.
The Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms are located 35-60 km off the coast of Changhua County, covering an area of 185 km² with water depths ranging from 23.8 to 44.1 meters. The project will feature 66 Siemens Gamesa 14-236 DD wind turbines, each with a capacity of 14 MW, making them the largest turbines to be deployed in the Taiwan Strait.
One of the notable aspects of this project is the use of suction bucket jacket (SBJ) foundation technology, which is being implemented for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region. This piling-free technology is environmentally friendly and reduces the impact on marine life.
Ørsted signed a 20-year fixed-price corporate power purchase agreement in July 2020, ensuring that the full production of the wind farms will be utilised by a corporate customer. This agreement underscores the confidence in Ørsted’s technical expertise and the market’s trust in their ability to deliver large-scale offshore wind projects.
Per Mejnert Kristensen, President of Region APAC at Ørsted, stated, “The commencement of offshore construction for the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 demonstrates Ørsted’s unwavering commitment to developing, constructing, and operating large-scale offshore wind farms in Taiwan. These wind farms not only highlight the confidence our customer and the market have in our capabilities but also set a significant benchmark for long-term partnerships in renewable energy.”
Since the final investment decision in March 2023, Ørsted has made significant progress, including the manufacturing of key components, completion of civil work for the onshore substation, and mobilisation of vessels for offshore construction. The offshore installation is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with full grid connection anticipated in 2026.
Once operational, the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 wind farms will produce enough clean energy to power approximately two million Taiwanese households, bringing Ørsted’s total operational offshore wind capacity in Taiwan to nearly 2 GW.
Featured image by brenda timmermans via pexels
