Saudi Arabia Launches Institutional Transformation Plan to Boost Non-oil Exports

Ceremony to inaugurate Institutional Transformation Strategy (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ceremony to inaugurate Institutional Transformation Strategy (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Arabia Launches Institutional Transformation Plan to Boost Non-oil Exports

Ceremony to inaugurate Institutional Transformation Strategy (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ceremony to inaugurate Institutional Transformation Strategy (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) launched Institutional Transformation Strategy to boost non-oil exports, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the local economy.

Saudi Exports announced that over 220 exporting companies benefited from the 'Saudi Export Stimulus' Program, while the 'Made in Saudi Arabia' Program attracted over 1,200 local companies and introduced their products to global markets.

The Saudi government focuses on boosting non-oil exports by providing programs and initiatives aligned with Vision 2030, including Made in Saudi Arabia program, created under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP).

The Program aims to support national products through an effective economy and unify production services. It combines the identity of Saudi products and services to promote them locally and internationally.

Saudi Exports announced the new strategy at a ceremony sponsored by the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar al-Khorayef.

The authority's new strategy aims to boost the participation of non-oil exports from 16 percent to at least 50 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, in line with Vision 2030.

Saudi Exports Sec-Gen Faisal al-Bedah stated that institutional transformation is a qualitative roadmap, with plans aligned with the Kingdom's development visions for the economy.

Bedah explained that the strategy aims to achieve a true partnership with the private sector, especially with exporters, improve the trade environment, develop exporters' capacities, enhance their competitiveness in global markets and increase readiness to face global challenges.

He added that this had been achieved thanks to a series of ongoing efforts by Saudi Exports, notably cooperation with relevant authorities to solve issues in the export environment in the country, with over 160 complaints addressed in 2021.

Bedah also announced that the Saudi Export Stimulus Program was launched to encourage and assist companies in building and enhancing their competitive capabilities and expanding their global presence.

The Program provides nine incentives that over 220 exporting companies benefited from during the past year, aligned with the Kingdom's commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Institutional Transformation Strategy came when Saudi non-oil exports recorded remarkable growth as they increased by 34 percent during the first nine months of 2021, until the third quarter, compared to the same period in 2020.



Saudi Arabia Raises its Non-Oil Economic Growth Forecast to 6.2% in 2026

 A view of a logo during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, January 19, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of a logo during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, January 19, 2024. (Reuters)
TT

Saudi Arabia Raises its Non-Oil Economic Growth Forecast to 6.2% in 2026

 A view of a logo during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, January 19, 2024. (Reuters)
A view of a logo during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, January 19, 2024. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia has raised its forecast for non-oil economic growth in 2026 to 6.2%, marking a jump from previous estimates of 5%.

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim revealed that the Kingdom is targeting 4.8% non-oil economic growth in 2024, increasing to 6.2% by 2026, while emphasizing the long-term importance of investing in human capital.

Speaking during a panel discussion titled “The Future of Growth” at the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Alibrahim stated that economic transformation and sustainable growth require bold, inclusive leadership and a long-term vision. He cited Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as a model for reducing dependency on oil and diversifying investment portfolios.

Global economic growth rates currently stand at 3.2–3.3%, significantly below the historical average of 4%, he noted.

He stressed the importance of building institutional capacities and investing in human capital as foundational elements for sustainable economic growth, emphasizing that these factors are essential for any successful economic strategy.

On US economic policies with Donald Trump returning for a second term as president, the minister stated they would not have an immediate impact on the global economy, as they involve long-term restructuring. He added that Saudi Arabia maintains strong relations with the United States.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan reiterated the need to improve global methodologies for measuring gross national income (GNI) to better reflect the realities of emerging economies. He emphasized that enhancing measurement frameworks would improve the efficiency of international institutions, support sustainable development in emerging markets, and contribute to global economic equity.

Meanwhile, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb outlined plans to transform Riyadh into a global business hub by hosting around 25 major international conferences, including the Future Investment Initiative and the LEAP Technology Conference.

Al-Khateeb also announced the launch of the largest travel and tourism event of its kind, set to take place in November. He invited global stakeholders to participate, describing the forum as a significant attraction for the international tourism sector.

Speaking during a panel discussion titled “The Role of Tourism and Travel in Building Trust” at Davos, Al-Khateeb highlighted the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector, which outpaced global growth rates last year with an increase of over 70%, the highest among G20 nations.

This growth, he explained, is linked to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to open its borders to encourage tourism, a key part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy.

The minister noted that Saudi Arabia offers a wide range of attractions, from the scenic mountains of the south to the Red Sea coastline in the west. He emphasized that the Kingdom is investing in human capital to strengthen the sector, pointing to the ambition of young Saudis eager to join the tourism industry.