JEDDAH: In 2018, Saudi Arabia implemented a number of initiatives and reforms that aim to improve its business environment and enhance its competitiveness.
In this regard, the Executive Committee for Improving the Performance of Private Sector Businesses (Tayseer), headed by Commerce and Investment Minister Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, monitored and implemented initiatives and reforms to provide a stable and motivating environment for the private sector.
Tayseer works with more than 40 government agencies as well as the private sector, represented by the Council of Saudi Chambers, under one umbrella to empower and develop the private sector.
Tayseer follows the most important international reports in order to improve the Kingdom’s regional and global rankings. They include the Doing Business report issued by the World Bank Group, and the Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum.
Tayseer is working on more than 300 initiatives that aim to improve the business environment. Following the launch of the Meras platform, starting a business now requires only one step and one day. It used to require 17 days and 10 steps.
Also, business and commercial visas are issued within 24 hours of a mission receiving the request, and commercial delegations’ visas are issued within two days. Previously, the issuance of commercial visas took several weeks.
Business visas do not require an invitation letter, and are issued within 24 hours of a mission receiving the request. Commercial visas through visa service offices are issued within 24 hours. For commercial delegations, the duration for visa issuance has been reduced from 30 days to just two.
The time required to begin receiving electricity services has been reduced to nine days through a two-step process, and compensation mechanisms have been developed to address cases of service interruptions or delays.
Regarding trade, the single-window platform Fasah has been launched to facilitate customs clearance and import and export procedures.
The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration was established to settle disputes according to the best international practices.
Saudi Arabia implements initiatives to improve business environment
Saudi Arabia implements initiatives to improve business environment
- Tayseer working with more than 40 government agencies as well as the private sector
- Tayseer currently working on more than 300 initiatives that aim to improve the business environment
Saudi program opens doors to historical research for local, international scholars
- Starting in May, Darah’s International Visitor Program offers access to rare manuscripts, archival photos, and oral histories
Riyadh: The first session of the International Visitor Program for local and international researchers, organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, will begin in May.
According to Turki Al-Shuwaier, CEO of Darah, the program is a strategic initiative aimed at supporting researchers from within and outside the Kingdom, enabling them to conduct qualitative studies that leverage Darah’s research resources and specialized expertise.
He told Arab News: “The program contributes to strengthening cooperation with academic institutions, research centers, and archival libraries locally and internationally, as well as promoting specialized knowledge production and providing a stimulating environment for the development of research and knowledge paths.”
The program seeks to foster constructive scientific cooperation and open new horizons for documenting national history, giving researchers access to rare documents, historical manuscripts, archival photographs, and oral recordings.
Al-Shuwaier said the program aims to support methodological diversity in handling historical sources and encourage the use of modern academic approaches that contribute to developing knowledge about the history of the Kingdom, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Arab and Islamic worlds.
He added: “Darah seeks to enable researchers to make the most of their research residency at the foundation, and we are keen to provide the necessary academic support and scientific supervision by our specialists, ensuring a successful research experience for all.”
The program targets a diverse range of qualified researchers, including faculty members, graduate students, and specialists in relevant fields. It lasts between one and three months and is extendable “according to a scientific evaluation mechanism.”
Al-Shuwaier noted that Darah is leveraging its capabilities to support serious scientific research, concluding: “Through this program, we seek to contribute to enriching historical knowledge and promoting awareness of the importance of heritage and history in shaping the future.”
