National Center for Privatization CEO: Privatization to Contribute in Developing Saudi Economy

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
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National Center for Privatization CEO: Privatization to Contribute in Developing Saudi Economy

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

Turki Abdulaziz al-Hokail, CEO of the National Center For Privatization & PPP (NCP), stated that privatization processes would contribute in developing the national economy and increasing the kingdom’s competency on the international level.

“Privatization would raise internal efficiency and productivity, enabling the kingdom to employ its human and material resources. This would boost the global competitive characteristics of Saudi Arabia,” said Hokail.

During his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, he stated that the NCP is dedicated to carrying out its mission and creating an environment that urges expansion in the private sector via sustainable contribution in the national economy.

He noted that the center is “an effective member within an integral system that aims at completing privatization processes and achieving Saudi Vision 2030.”

Responding to a question on how the NCP contributes in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, Hokail replied that the vision is based on comprehensive efforts exerted by the state to update the Saudi economy via reviving the private sector, diversifying the sustainable economy, privatization, reforming labor market and capital markets, along with other basic components.

“These processes would contribute in enhancing the efficiency and performance levels of bodies that will be privatized. This would positively affect services that go in line with the needs of citizens and residents, increase job opportunities, diversify services and products and create a competitive environment. All these represent the basics of Saudi Vision 2030,” he explained.

Hokail stressed that the NCP works in partnership with all related bodies on implementing a package of privatization initiatives.

Speaking on the steps taken in the privatization process, he explained that a strategy is first devised for the sector to be privatized. Organizational, technical and institutional readiness are then ensured before deals are signed though holding and managing exhibitions and introductory events and programs with investors.

High-level of governance is being applied by the center through a long list of procedures and obligations that were determined to ensure the implementation of governance, he added.



Biden Admin Delays Enforcement of Order Blocking Nippon Steel, US Steel Deal

FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo
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Biden Admin Delays Enforcement of Order Blocking Nippon Steel, US Steel Deal

FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The logos of Nippon Steel Corp. are displayed at the company headquarters in Tokyo, Japan March 18, 2019. REUTERS/Yuka Obayashi/File Photo

The Biden administration will hold off enforcing a requirement laid out in an executive order this month that Nippon Steel abandon its $14.9 billion bid for US Steel, the companies said on Saturday.

US President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel's planned acquisition of US Steel on national security grounds on Jan. 3, and his Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said this week that the proposed deal had received a "thorough analysis" by interagency review body, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

The delay will give the courts time to review a legal challenge brought by the parties earlier this month against Biden's order. The parties previously had 30 days to unwind their transaction, Reuters reported.
"We are pleased that CFIUS has granted an extension to June 18, 2025 of the requirement in President Biden's Executive Order that the parties permanently abandon the transaction," the companies said in a joint statement.
"We look forward to completing the transaction, which secures the best future for the American steel industry and all our stakeholders," they said.
US Steel and Nippon Steel alleged in a lawsuit on Monday that the CFIUS review was prejudiced by Biden's longstanding opposition to the deal, denying them of a right to a fair review. They asked a federal appeals court to overturn Biden's decision to allow them a fresh review to secure another shot at closing the merger.
The US Treasury secretary chairs the CFIUS panel, which screens foreign acquisitions of US companies and other investment deals for national security concerns. CFIUS normally decides directly on cases or submits recommendations to the president, but in the US Steel-Nippon Steel case, the panel failed to reach consensus on whether Biden should to approve or reject it, leaving the decision to him.
Both Biden and his successor, Republican Donald Trump, had voiced opposition to the Japanese company acquiring the American steelmaker as the candidates courted union votes in the November election won by Trump.
CFIUS has rarely rejected deals involving the Group of Seven closely allied countries, which include Japan.