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.



Türkiye Says Trade Deficit Widened 21.7% in April

FILE PHOTO: The Bosphorus strait is pictured through the window of a passenger aircraft over Istanbul, Türkiye February 1, 2019. REUTERS/Murad Sezer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The Bosphorus strait is pictured through the window of a passenger aircraft over Istanbul, Türkiye February 1, 2019. REUTERS/Murad Sezer/File Photo
TT
20

Türkiye Says Trade Deficit Widened 21.7% in April

FILE PHOTO: The Bosphorus strait is pictured through the window of a passenger aircraft over Istanbul, Türkiye February 1, 2019. REUTERS/Murad Sezer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The Bosphorus strait is pictured through the window of a passenger aircraft over Istanbul, Türkiye February 1, 2019. REUTERS/Murad Sezer/File Photo

Türkiye's trade deficit widened 21.7% year-on-year to 12$ billion in April, Trade Minister Omer Bolat said on Friday.
Exports stood at $20.9 billion in April, while imports amounted to $33 billion, he told a press conference.
The euro's gains against the US dollar since US President Donald Trump introduced new 10% baseline tariffs on all economies and slapped duties totaling 20% on the European Union had a positive effect on Turkish exports amounting to $440 million, Bolat also said.

Meanwhile, the Turkish manufacturing sector contracted in April as output and new orders continued to ease amid subdued demand, with firms scaling back employment and purchasing activity, a survey showed on Friday.
The Istanbul Chamber of Industry Türkiye Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) was unchanged at 47.3 in April. This marked the 13th consecutive month of easing business conditions, with any reading below 50.0 pointing to a contraction in activity.
Although new export orders eased the latest slowdown was the least pronounced so far this year, and the moderation in new business from abroad was also less marked than that seen for total new orders, the survey showed.
Manufacturers continued to scale back employment and purchasing activity, instead reducing inventories, the survey showed.
Manufacturers reported that suppliers quickened their deliveries in April, the survey showed, while the rate of input cost inflation quickened amid currency weakness and higher costs for raw materials.
"An uncertain international economic environment added to the challenges facing Turkish manufacturers in April. As such, further moderations in new orders, output and exports were recorded by the latest PMI survey," said Andrew Harker, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
"That said, there were some signs of improvement, raising hopes that the sector could potentially move closer to growth territory in the months ahead."