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.



Israel's Leviathan Gas Field to Resume Operations

FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military ship sails next to the production platform of Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, northern Israel December 1, 2020. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military ship sails next to the production platform of Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, northern Israel December 1, 2020. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg/File Photo
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Israel's Leviathan Gas Field to Resume Operations

FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military ship sails next to the production platform of Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, northern Israel December 1, 2020. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military ship sails next to the production platform of Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, northern Israel December 1, 2020. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg/File Photo

Israel's NewMed said on Wednesday the Leviathan natural gas field that supplies gas to Egypt and Jordan, shut down nearly two weeks ago due to the Iran-Israel conflict, would resume operations in the next few hours.

Two of Israel's three gas fields - Chevron-operated Leviathan and Energean's Karish - off its Mediterranean coast that provide the bulk of exports to Egypt and Jordan have been shut since June 13.

That left in operation only the older Tamar field, used mainly for domestic supplies.

Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on Tuesday. Israel's Energy Ministry said that after a security assessment, Energy Minister Eli Cohen had ordered the opening of Leviathan and Karish, Reuters reported.

The ministry said resuming regular operations at the rigs will "enable the supply of natural gas to all customers", the resumption of gas exports to neighboring countries, a rise in state tax revenues, and greater flexibility in managing the electricity and industrial sectors.

Leviathan, a deep-sea field with huge deposits, came online at the end of 2019 and produces 12 billion cubic meters of gas per year for sale to Israel, Egypt and Jordan. That will rise to some 14 bcm in 2026.

In addition to Chevron and NewMed, Ratio Energies is also a partner in Leviathan.