Al-Jubeir: The Kingdom Advances Towards Achieving Vision 2030 Targets

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and Climate Affairs Envoy, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, emphasized that the Kingdom has a comprehensive strategy represented in its Saudi Vision 2030, which is based on the economy, social aspects, the private sector, and opening up new sectors for investment. His remarks came during a panel session titled "The Economic Perspectives for the Middle East and North Africa" as part of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting that kicked off today in Riyadh.
Al-Jubeir added that the strategy encompasses several sectors including entertainment, education, healthcare, environment, and other economic activities. "It requires finding best practices to address challenges and encourage both local and foreign investors. All of this is part of a single package directed by this strategy," the minister said.
He emphasized that the Kingdom is making significant progress towards achieving the Saudi Vision's targets and addressing any emerging obstacles. He noted that unemployment rates, which were previously high, have significantly decreased, adding that the participation of women in the workforce has also increased from 14% to 37% within four years. Additionally, he noted, there is an increase in new and startup companies founded by ambitious Saudi youth in the job market.
Minister Al-Jubeir stated, "We aim to encourage Saudi companies to participate in both local and international economic activities. Regarding the Middle East and North Africa region, it is vast, but if we focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, you will notice that we have succeeded in making our economies more integrated. We have achieved trade freedom, movement of goods, and individuals in recent years, leading to positive impacts on the commercial and investment levels. We look forward to expanding this to encompass the entire Middle East and North Africa region."
He also pointed out that "all factors for success and prosperity are available in the region; however, tensions complicate matters. Therefore, one of our main objectives is to end tensions in the region to pave the way for focusing on what truly matters: economic development and prosperity."