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)
TT
20

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.



Egyptian Firms Sign Final Contracts with Chinese Consortium to Build Chemical Plant

A general view of the Nile River from the Egyptian capital, Cairo (Reuters).
A general view of the Nile River from the Egyptian capital, Cairo (Reuters).
TT
20

Egyptian Firms Sign Final Contracts with Chinese Consortium to Build Chemical Plant

A general view of the Nile River from the Egyptian capital, Cairo (Reuters).
A general view of the Nile River from the Egyptian capital, Cairo (Reuters).

Several Egyptian companies signed on Sunday final contracts with a Chinese consortium comprising China State Engineering Corp and East China Engineering Science and Technology Company to build a phosphoric acid plant in Egypt's New Valley area, Reuters reported.

The plant, which has an investment value of $658 million, will have the capacity to produce 250,000 tons of concentrated phosphoric acid in the first phase of the project, Egypt's petroleum ministry said in a statement.

Egyptian participants in the project include leading fertilizer producer, Abu Qir Fertilizers, state-owned Misr Phosphate and others.