Saudi to Identify Challenges Facing Construction Permits for Commercial Buildings

Saudi private sector moves to address challenges in obtaining commercial building permits (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi private sector moves to address challenges in obtaining commercial building permits (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi to Identify Challenges Facing Construction Permits for Commercial Buildings

Saudi private sector moves to address challenges in obtaining commercial building permits (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi private sector moves to address challenges in obtaining commercial building permits (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Efforts are underway to identify the challenges related to obtaining construction permits for commercial buildings in Saudi Arabia.

Proposed solutions are being developed and shared with the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing, in anticipation of presenting the final plan at the periodic meeting of the Executive Committee for Improving the Performance of Private Sector Businesses (Tayseer).

The Federation of Saudi Chambers has urged the private sector, business leaders, and engineering offices to participate in a survey designed to document all observations and opinions on the matter.

This initiative aims to address the obstacles facing the sector during the upcoming period.

In the study, which Asharq Al-Awsat reviewed a copy of, the Federation asked participants to identify challenges that business owners face when obtaining construction permits for commercial buildings.

It also inquired about the government entity responsible for the issue.

The Federation is committed to identifying the challenges that the private sector faces in relation to government procedures, regulations, and legislation on an ongoing basis. Its goal is to remove all obstacles that hinder the expansion of companies and institutions in line with the government's current aspirations.

The Federation plays a pivotal role in enhancing the business environment of Saudi Arabia and surmounting challenges confronting the Kingdom's private sector. It endeavors to invigorate and foster economic sectors through its diverse departments and administrations.

The Federation also contributes to the study of regulations, the development of support programs, and provides support to government agencies in the formulation of various related regulations and decisions.

In 2021, the Saudi government was able to address 62.5% of the challenges facing the private sector in regulations and legislation.

Looking to improve the private sector’s business environment, the Tayseer committee participated in 45 meetings and 12 workshops with the private sector during 2021.

The committee was able to identify over 1,200 challenges facing companies and institutions.

Currently, 37.5% of these challenges are still under study.



Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
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Spain Gives Green Light for Saudi STC to Raise Stake in Telefonica to 9.97%

STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo
STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder - File Photo

The Spanish government has given the green light to Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator, STC Group, to raise its stake in Telefonica beyond 5% and reach 9.97%, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said on Thursday.

Cuerpo confirmed an earlier report by El Pais newspaper during a news conference following the cabinet's weekly meeting in which the stake increase was approved, Reuters reported.

"Measures and conditions have been set and accepted voluntarily by the Saudi company to ensure that (the operation) takes place," Cuerpo told reporters.

He said the government's decision followed an "exhaustive analysis based not only on compliance with current legislation but also to guarantee the national interest in defense and ensure the strategic element in telecommunications".

Last year, STC said it aimed to build up an interest of 9.9% in the Spanish telecoms company worth around 2.4 billion euros ($2.53 billion) and become a major shareholder.

The Saudi group said at the time it owned a 4.9% stake in Telefonica and financial instruments giving it another 5% in what it called economic exposure to the company.

The Spanish government had to authorize the deal as Telefonica is considered a defence service provider and therefore a strategic company.

The Saudi company has said it does not intend to gain control of or a majority stake in Telefonica.