BY ALEXANDER WOODMAN
On April 25, 2016, the Saudi government created the national program “Vision 2030,” an ambitious plan to affect the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The goal of the program is to build a more prosperous country, which reflects the goals, strengths, and potential of the nation and its people.
The abundant natural features, varied ethnicity, distinctive demography, and stable financial system of Saudi Arabia show a country that will continue to be among the leading nations in the world. The unique and strategic location of Saudi Arabia, connecting three significant continents, is just another quality of this revered nation. The implementation of the programs of “Vision 2030,” will add to the prosperity of this region. As with many other accomplished nations, Saudi Arabia is working to continually invigorate and improve the systems and policies of their government. The ambitious and creative goals of “Vision 2030,” will continue to welcome experienced people who will support the programs of the government and its plans for development.
This Vision will be constructed on three pillars which illustrate the competitive advantages of this program as well as the goal of this country: “to continue to be a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.” “Vision 2030” essentially continues, in a larger format, an expanded form of the policies that the country has had in place for many decades. There have been some successes, but implementation has fallen short of the ambitious targets that have been set. These three main pillars represent the status of the country as the “heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds”; the determination to become a global investment powerhouse; and finally, to transform the country’s location into a hub connecting the three continents (Asia, Europe, and Africa).
An undertaking of this dimension is a work in progress, and all such projects begin with an idea; a vision. The Saudis believed that those visions should be based upon strong pillars. Therefore, the first pillar would encourage the members of the society to live by the Islamic principle of moderation. It would urge its people to be proud of their national uniqueness and the ancient cultural heritage of the country in which they live.
The second pillar would stand tall as a representative of a flourishing economy which offers opportunities through the educational system according to market requirements. It will open incredible economic prospects for the business persons, the small enterprises, as well as the large companies.
Lastly, the third pillar embodies an operative, transparent, responsible, and highly efficient government.
To achieve all the goals of “Vision 2030,” the government of Saudi Arabia has already implemented several programs – “bridges” of “Vision 2030,” which will help them to reach its final destination. These programs are:
1. The Government Restructuring
2. The Strategic Directions
3. The Fiscal Balance
4. The Project Management program
5. The Regulations Review
6. The Performance Measurement
7. The Saudi Aramco Strategic Transformation
8. The Public Investment Fund Restructuring
9. The Human Capital
10. The National Transformation
11. The Strategic Partnerships
12. The Privatization programs
13. The Strengthening Public Sector Governance program
Through the foundation of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, the government began to study the expenses of the national capital, its authorization mechanism, and its assessable economic effect. One of the most significant achievements of the newly started “Vision 2030,” was the increase of non-oil related incomes by thirty-percent.
The companies and the organizations affiliated with the Kingdom have seen a series of improvements and alterations. This has been accomplished under the supervision of the project management offices (PMOs) in the Council of Economic and Development Affairs as well as many of the other governmental organizations.
The Regulations Review Program studied numerous present-day laws and implemented new regulations which have been long overdue. These are the company law, the non-governmental organization’s law, the law concerning fees on non-used lands, and the General Authority for Endowments (Awqaf) law.
The Human Capital Program is one of the central projects of “Vision 2030.” It paves the way for every human being to be accepted as a fundamental element in the success of each monumental project. This program will calculate, evaluate, and investigate the productivity of civil service. These actions will sustain the government organizations in addition to its workforce, researchers and research projects, and planned cooperation associated with human capital.
Another valuable goal of “Vision 2030” is the radical development of international relations between Saudi Arabia and the world-leading and developing countries of the world. This accomplishment, in return, will result in increased experience and involvement on the world stage.
The most constructive comments come from the representatives of foreign countries regarding “Vision 2030.” My conversation with His Excellency Ambassador of Mexico in the Kingdom, Mr. Alfredo Miranda, is worthy of mention, wherein he said:
“Vision 2030 will lay the foundation to reduce global challenges and generate prosperity for generations to come. This is an exciting time, and the opportunities in the International community continue to increase. Further communication between countries will change people’s lives, and benefit future generations.”
Each of the aspects of “Vision 2030” has its own undertakings and obligations which mirrors the goals and desires expected to be achieved. By continuing to develop the economy, the quality of services at all levels will continue to improve. This will lead to the privatization of different governmental services, will refine the business scope, and engage the most globally talented and capable professionals.
