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Prime Minister Carney deepens partnership with Saudi Arabia across trade, education, technology, and critical minerals

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, July 9, 2026 /CNW/ – The global landscape is rapidly changing, creating uncertainty for economies, businesses, and workers. In response, Canada is focused on what we can control: building our strength at home, diversifying our trade partnerships, and cultivating a dense web of new connections. That means deepening ties with the largest, most ambitious economies around the world.

Saudi Arabia is Canada’s second-largest trading partner in the Middle East, supporting tens of thousands of Canadian jobs, and with rapidly growing ties across education, energy, defence, critical minerals, and advanced technologies. With a $1.8 trillion economy and an ambitious economic transformation agenda under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia offers significant opportunities for Canadian workers, businesses, and expertise.

To deepen this partnership, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – the first visit to the country by a Canadian Prime Minister in 26 years. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. Together they issued a joint statement with key commitments to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, mining and natural resources, energy, health, education, people-to-people ties, and defence.

In Jeddah, Canada and Saudi Arabia signed new 13 new commercial agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) worth over $1 billion – spanning health technology, mining, infrastructure, and defence. This will enable:

Canadian firms supporting mining, critical minerals, and clean energy projects in Saudi Arabia.Canadian infrastructure companies helping to deliver Vision 2030 projects, including roads and rail lines.Canadian health technology companies deploying Canadian-made capabilities from patient monitoring and clinical decision-support technologies to surgical intelligence platforms.Experts from Canadian colleges training the next generation of the Saudi workforce, including construction, skilled trades, medicine, and technology.

To unlock bilateral investment and create thousands of jobs for both countries, Canada and Saudi Arabia agreed to deepen collaboration on:

Energy, through a MOU to attract investment in major projects, expand trade, and strengthen cooperation on LNG, renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage.Artificial intelligence, through a MOU to advance collaboration in AI development, deployment, and commercialisation.Defence and security, by committing to finalise a MOU on defence cooperation.Canada will also establish a resident Defence Attaché presence in Riyadh to increase the frequency and depth of bilateral engagements and increase exports from Canada’s defence sector.

Progress was made on two additional commercial partnerships as well:

Cohere, a leading Canadian sovereign AI company and Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN, today announced a strategic AI compute collaboration to provide dedicated AI infrastructure for the next generation of frontier AI models. This partnership will enable the development of AI solutions and special-purpose sovereign AI models.As part of this partnership, HUMAIN will designate at least 50 megawatts of dedicated AI compute capacity to support Cohere’s next-generation foundation models.BlackBerry and Aramco Digital have commenced discussions to explore opportunities for collaboration to advance sovereign secure communications and next-generation industrial technology in Saudi Arabia.

To strengthen the Canada-Saudi Arabia partnership in the coming months, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada will:

Lead a delegation of Canada’s pension funds to Saudi Arabia to explore long-term investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships in sectors such as energy and AI.Participate in Expo 2030, a six-month World Expo bringing together countries to showcase innovation, trade, and investment opportunities – to be held in Riyadh from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031.Have a national pavilion at the World Defence Show in Riyadh in January 2028.Advance a strategic partnership between Canadian and Saudi Arabian educational institutions to support the professional development of Saudi Arabian early childhood and English language educators.

The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince announced that they will conclude negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) by the end of 2027. This will enable Canadian businesses to more easily expand their operations in and attract investment from Saudi Arabia. Canada and Saudi Arabia also launched negotiations for a new double-taxation agreement to make it easier for Canadians to work and invest in Saudi Arabia and vice versa.

Canada and Saudi Arabia are complementary economies with shared ambitions to expand trade, attract investment, and diversify their economies. Deepening the partnership will support Canada’s efforts to grow non-U.S. exports, attract investment, and strengthen collaboration in strategic sectors – creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.

Quotes
“Canada and Saudi Arabia have both embarked on ambitious new missions to transform their economies. To that end, we are harnessing each other’s strengths across minerals and mining, technology, energy, and commerce. Canada has what the world wants. We are cultivating a dense web of new connections to diversify our trade, create new opportunities for our workers and businesses, and deliver greater security and prosperity for all Canadians.”
— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“As Canada builds a stronger, more resilient economy, deepening our partnership with Saudi Arabia is an important step in advancing trade diversification, strengthening energy cooperation, and expanding people-to-people ties. This visit marks a new chapter in the Canada-Saudi Arabia relationship, building on a shared commitment to economic growth as well as solidarity in the face of Iranian aggression over the past months.”
— The Hon. Anita Anand, Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada

Quick facts

The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince welcomed the signing of a MOU to establish a foreign minister-level Canada-Saudi Arabia Coordination Council that will guide and deepen cooperation across several key priorities.The visit followed the Prime Minister’s participation in the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye. Over the course of the trip, the Prime Minister:Announced the largest defence procurement in Canadian history – selecting Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred supplier to begin negotiations to purchase up to twelve state-of-the-art submarines.Strengthened Canada’s contributions to the NATO Alliance and forged new partnerships with Allies.Welcomed the launch of negotiations toward a Canada-Türkiye comprehensive free trade agreement.Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, valued at over an estimated $1 trillion, is a key driver of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil and gas.During his visit, the Prime Minister emphasised Canada’s commitment to working with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners to advance regional stability.The two sides strongly condemned Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026. The two countries underscored that such actions heighten regional tensions, undermine confidence-building efforts, and jeopardise ongoing diplomatic negotiations and agreements aimed at promoting regional stability and security.Alongside our partners and allies, Canada stands ready to support the Multinational Military Maritime Mission in four potential areas of assistance: maritime logistics, cyber support, demining expertise, and satellite imagery, when conditions permit.The Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, visited Saudi Arabia in January 2026 with a senior Canadian business delegation where he welcomed approximately $600 million in commercial partnership agreements, and promoted Canadian trade and investment opportunities – including in the clean technology and energy, information and communication technology, AI, and infrastructure sectors.Canada looks forward to welcoming a Saudi Arabia trade mission to advance progress on bilateral trade, investment, and commercial partnerships.

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Prime Minister Carney meets with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman

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Prime Minister Carney to attend the NATO Summit in Türkiye and visit Saudi Arabia to deepen trade, technology, and defence partnershipsCanada-Saudi Arabia relations 

This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister’s Office

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SCANOLOGY Introduces AirGO Pad for On-Site 3D Scanning, Inspection and Reporting

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HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SCANOLOGY introduces AirGO Pad, an integrated mobile measurement platform that brings 3D scanning, inspection and reporting alongside the part being measured. Combining computing, industrial 3D inspection software and touchscreen operation, AirGO Pad works with compatible SCANOLOGY wireless 3D scanners to help operators complete the inspection workflow on-site without carrying a separate laptop.

When inspecting a large component, operators need to move around the part while keeping scan data and measurement controls accessible. Finding a suitable place for a laptop—and returning to it to check results or adjust settings—can interrupt that process, particularly where space is limited. AirGO Pad places the inspection interface on a portable tablet, allowing operators to view data and interact with the software beside the component.

Users can connect a compatible wireless 3D scanner and view 3D data in real time, monitoring scan coverage and quality as they work. They can then align data, perform measurements and inspect results on the same device. During scanning, operators can create comparison points, features and other inspection elements as needed. Preconfigured report templates complete the workflow, enabling standardized inspection reports to be generated directly on AirGO Pad.

The platform’s design supports these transitions between scanning, inspection and reporting. Its high-definition touchscreen keeps model details and measurement results within reach. Operators can use the tablet in handheld mode while moving around the part, then unfold the convertible stand to review results on a suitable surface. A neck strap provides additional support when carrying and operating the device.

“Making a measurement system mobile means considering more than how operators carry the 3D scanner. They also need access to their data and inspection tools beside the part. We developed AirGO Pad to bring these activities together, from reviewing scan data to producing the inspection report,” said a product manager at SCANOLOGY.

AirGO Pad supports SCANOLOGY’s third-generation handheld and wireless optical 3D scanning systems, standard CAD/3D formats and wireless PC synchronization for measurement, annotation and review.

For product details or to request a demonstration, visit AirGo Pad product page.

About SCANOLOGY

SCANOLOGY develops industrial 3D measurement solutions for manufacturing and engineering. Its products are used for 3D measurement, automated inspection, and quality control. They are trusted by more than 10,000 enterprises across over 70 countries and regions, serving industries such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturing.

SOURCE SCANOLOGY

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SKYWORTH Solar Announces Global Launch of Solavita as a Smart Microgrid Brand

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SKYWORTH Solar has officially announced the global launch of Solavita, its dedicated brand for smart microgrid solutions. Positioned strategically as “A Smart Microgrid Expert for Diverse Energy Scenarios,” Solavita consolidates the company’s extensive solution portfolio and service infrastructure under a unified global identity, building upon its rapidly expanding international footprint.

Addressing Grid Flexibility and Long-Term System Value

The launch comes as electricity systems face growing demands for flexibility. The International Energy Agency’s 2026 mid-year electricity update highlights the importance of flexible resources and more efficient use of infrastructure as renewable generation expands. For customers, the priorities vary by market: managing electricity costs, using more locally generated solar power, or maintaining essential loads where grid supply is unreliable.

“As renewable energy becomes more distributed, the long-term performance of the whole system becomes increasingly important,” said Fan Ruiwu, Chairman of SKYWORTH Solar. “We see that performance as the foundation of our international energy business. With Solavita, we are bringing our capabilities together around a common approach to solution development and service, while working with local partners to adapt delivery to each market. Our focus is on the value these systems provide throughout their life.”

Solutions for Different Energy Needs

To address the dual challenges of grid volatility and operational cost, Solavita engineers its systems around a core architectural philosophy prioritizing grid-forming stability, intelligent automation, cross-generation efficiency, and multi-tier security. Translating these technical principles into practical applications, the brand introduces a comprehensive solution matrix tailored to specific market demands.

For residential users, the SolaHome suite utilizes an advanced Home Energy Management System (HEMS) to seamlessly coordinate rooftop solar, battery storage, and flexible domestic loads like heat pumps and EV chargers. In markets with dynamic electricity tariffs, such as Germany, HEMS automates energy dispatch to capitalize on low-price periods. This practical value is evidenced by a recent residential installation in Jesteburg, Germany, combines 18.9 kW of rooftop solar with 20.48 kWh of battery storage. Solavita reports nearly €50 in electricity-price arbitrage benefits during the first month of dynamic-tariff operation.

Expanding beyond the home, the portfolio scales up with SolaBiz, which integrates distributed solar, commercial storage, and smart dispatch to help factories and retail spaces manage peak-demand costs and safeguard against grid disruptions.

For larger utility and off-grid demands, SolaMatrix delivers scalable, containerized storage and microgrid management focused on stabilizing renewable integration in weak grid environments.

Finally, ensuring energy access in highly mobile contexts, SolaGo offers plug-and-play balcony solar and portable power systems for outdoor activities and critical emergency backup, completing Solavita’s end-to-end coverage of modern energy applications.

Global Engineering Foundation and Ecosystem Delivery

To guarantee the reliable implementation and long-term asset value of these diverse solutions, SKYWORTH Solar underpins Solavita with a robust global engineering foundation.

On the technology front, the Smart Microgrid Technology Centre connects cutting-edge research with product engineering, supported by academic collaborations with Tianjin University and Hainan University. This pipeline is further strengthened by a comprehensive Haikou test platform—scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026—to rigorously validate grid-connected, islanded, and grid-forming systems.

The InfraCosmos Digital Platform supports lifecycle data management, operational monitoring and fault identification. It connects system information with service and maintenance, helping teams monitor performance and respond to operating issues.

Beyond hardware and software, this foundation extends to flexible supply chain execution and strategic project delivery. Solavita employs F+D+EPC+O (Financing, Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations) framework for large-scale, asset-light project coordination, alongside a localized PD2C cooperation model actively deployed in markets like Germany and Italy to ensure rapid, market-specific service.

These capabilities underpin Solavita’s positioning as a smart microgrid expert, connecting system development with local delivery and ongoing service. The aim is to make integrated energy systems practical to deploy and support in each market.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/skyworth-solar-announces-global-launch-of-solavita-as-a-smart-microgrid-brand-302925531.html

SOURCE SKYWORTH Solar

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TCL Donates Ultra-Low-Power Display System to the Youth Olympic Village, Bringing Advanced Display Technology to Everyday Use

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The donation of the display, featuring TCL CSOT’s high-brightness Field Sequential Color technology, continues TCL’s long-term commitment to the African market

DAKAR, Senegal, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, donated an ultra-low-power display system powered by solar energy to Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow (UAM) in Senegal. Delivering outdoor brightness at roughly half the power consumption of comparable displays, the system will serve as an information hub on the UAM campus, which will also serve as the Youth Olympic Village during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Attendees at the donation ceremony included IOC President, Kirsty Coventry; UAM President, Professor Mababa Diagne; Senegal Higher Education Minister, Boubacar Camara; TCL Charity Ambassador, Jacky Heung; and General Manager of TCL Industries’ Middle East and Africa Marketing Division, Naimin Yang.

“Powered by TCL’s advanced display technology, this new display system will create new possibilities for our campus facilities and support development for both students and faculty,” said Professor Diagne.

Advanced Display Technology Delivers Best in Brightness and Efficiency

The donated system features a TCL CSOT 75-inch high-brightness Field Sequential Color (FSC) display capable of delivering 4,000-nit brightness at approximately 300W. By eliminating conventional color filters and generating color through the sequential switching of red, green and blue light, FSC technology enhances light utilization with transmittance over 15%.

The technology reflects TCL CSOT’s continued pursuit of improved display performance and energy efficiency, bringing advanced screens into everyday settings through TCL’s broader Screen Universe vision. Installed at UAM, the display will serve as an outdoor information hub, remaining bright and clear even in direct sunlight.

TCLArt and TCLYoung Champion Local Art and the Next Generation of Creators

Beyond technology, TCL also supports local culture in Dakar through its art-focused initiative, TCLArt. TCL participates in the Yeesal urban art initiative, which works with Senegalese artists and communities to create large-scale public murals. The project supports 43 artists, especially creators under 35, whose works draw inspiration from African athletes, cultural diversity, and youth aspirations. These murals will become permanent features of Dakar’s urban landscape, celebrating local creativity while reflecting TCL’s commitment to the next generation of creative talent through TCLYoung.

From Local Presence to Shared Growth: TCL Deepens its Footprint in Africa

Both the donation and Yeesal partnership build on a presence in Africa stretching back more than two decades. TCL first entered the African market in 2004. Today, TCL TVs and home appliances are sold in nearly 50 African countries across the continent, supported by six sales subsidiaries and three regional business units. TCL continues to strengthen its retail presence across the region, including with the opening of the first TCL brand experience store in Africa in Johannesburg, and the establishment of its own retail and distribution channel in Kenya.

Through its established business network and localized operations, TCL continues to build closer connections with African customers and consumers, combining global technological capabilities with a deeper understanding of local markets to better serve people across the region.

About TCL

Founded in 1981, TCL is dedicated to empowering smarter, healthier lifestyles through next-generation experiences.

Today, with 50 R&D centers and 47 manufacturing bases globally, TCL operates in over 160 countries and regions, reinforcing its position as a globally competitive smart technology brand. To further inspire greatness, TCL has become an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category.

https://www.tcl.com/global/en

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tcl-donates-ultra-low-power-display-system-to-the-youth-olympic-village-bringing-advanced-display-technology-to-everyday-use-302925532.html

SOURCE TCL Technology Group Corporation

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