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)
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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 PIF, Elm Sign Agreement for Elm to Acquire Thiqah

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) logo
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) logo
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Saudi PIF, Elm Sign Agreement for Elm to Acquire Thiqah

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) logo
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) logo

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Elm, a leading digital solutions company, have signed a share sale and purchase agreement for Elm to acquire Thiqah Business Services Company – a firm specializing in smart technology solutions for business services – in a deal valued at $907 million (SAR3.4 billion).

Completion is expected once regulatory approvals are obtained and certain conditions are satisfied under the agreement.

According to a PIF statement, the transaction will further support a thriving local information and communication technologies (ICT) ecosystem and contribute to PIF’s strategy which aligns with the Vision 2030 aim of using digital transformation to create the high-skills jobs of the future and further grow the Saudi economy. The deal will enhance the growth of the ICT sector, drive innovation, and localize technologies and knowledge by strengthening Elm to lead the sector at the national level, maximizing the value chain by providing a wide range of ICT products, services and devices.

The ICT sector is among PIF’s strategic priority investment sectors, being a key enabler of other key sectors, including entertainment, financial services, healthcare, transport and logistics, and utilities and renewables, the statement said.

“PIF is committed to enabling the creation of national champions which contribute to driving the development and growth of the Saudi economy. PIF’s sale of Thiqah to Elm will contribute to enhancing the vital role of the ICT sector and will strengthen efforts to localize technology and drive innovation,” Head of Technology and Media, MENA Investments, at PIF Shahd Attar said.

CEO of Elm Mohammad Abdulaziz Alomair said: “This is an important transaction for Elm, as it enhances integration, rationalizes spending, increases profitability, and provides qualitative advantages for both parties and the market.”

“The combined integrated entity will be better able to create advanced national smart services to serve market requirements and clients’ needs. It will also contribute to facilitating innovative operations and capabilities to develop products in the business field with cost advantages while achieving economies of scale,” he added.