13 May 2024
RIYADH: With an average growth rate of 4 percent over the past seven years and an upward trajectory buoyed by a pro-business environment, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated remarkable resilience amid global economic challenges.
Given its strategic location, robust economy, and ambitious Vision 2030, it’s hardly surprising that the Kingdom stands as a beacon of progress and growth in the region.
A key to this has been attracting foreign direct investment, as well as working on agreements with neighboring countries to ensure Saudi Arabia is seen as being open for business.
Economist and policy adviser Mahmoud Khairy told Arab News that the Kingdom has “enhanced trade relations and reduced barriers” in this regard as it seeks to put its Vision 2030 strategy into action.
That plan aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and build a vibrant society.
Khairy added: “The Kingdom has already started to take serious steps to capitalize on its exceptional location through the establishment of logistics and free trade zones, coupled with efforts to diversify the economy under Vision 2030, attracts foreign investment and fosters trade partnerships.”
Khairy emphasized that investments in digital infrastructure and e-commerce platforms have further modernized the Kingdom’s trade ecosystem, enhancing its connectivity with global markets.
Furthermore, he said, tremendous efforts have been made to advance the financial ecosystem, with new measures planned to improve the ease of doing business and develop the investment environment further.
Khairy’s analysis was echoed by Saudi-based economist Talat Hafiz, who told Arab News: “One of the main pillars of Saudi Vision 2030 is to create a business environment that supports economic growth in the Kingdom and attract FDI as well as diversify the Kingdom’s economy. The only way to reach such a goal is through facilitating doing business and trade.”