Saudi economy witnessing a fundamental shift, says minister

Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a fundamental shift in its economy and the business environment is transforming with the creation of new sectors, said the Kingdom’s economy minister.

Faisal Al-Ibrahim was speaking at a conference in Riyadh on Wednesday during which he highlighted the fast-evolving business landscape of the Kingdom focused on diversifying its income sources away from oil.

Speaking at the event titled “Industrial policies to promote economic diversification,” the top official said there have been fundamental changes in the legislative and economic regulations to promote sustainable development since the launching of the Vision 2030 plan.

He said the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy have led to the creation of new sectors due to the initiation of several megaprojects such as NEOM, the Red Sea, and others.

“We stand at a crossroads to change the global economy,” Al-Ibrahim said.

He stressed the need for strategies to ensure a flexible and sustainable economy.

“The presence of foreign investments will develop competitiveness in the long term,” the minister affirmed.

The minister also highlighted how the Kingdom was working in the medium term to focus on transforming sectors that represent a technological shift.

Saudi Arabia is keen on achieving development in the medium term by balancing short-term profits and promoting long-term success, Al-Ibrahim highlighted.

Since the launch of the vision, the Ministry of Economy and Planning has conducted several economic studies aimed at diversifying the economy by developing objectives for all sectors, raising complexity levels, and studying emerging economies to enhance the Kingdom’s capabilities.