Vision 2030.

Aiming at economic diversification to minimize the country’s dependence on oil Saudi Kingdom published Vision 2030. The Plan launches a package of reforms highlighting the urgent need for a change at both an economic and a social level. The Vision is built around three themes: (i) a vibrant society, proud of its national identity and its ancient cultural heritage, where people enjoy a good life in a beautiful environment, are protected by caring families and supported by an empowering social and health care system; (ii) a thriving economy that provides opportunities for all by building an education system aligned with market needs and creating economic opportunities for the entrepreneur, the small enterprise as well as the large corporation; and (iii) an ambitious nation, built on an effective, transparent, accountable, enabling and high-performing government.Major commitments under the first theme are: (i) strengthen both religious and historical roots, empowering and modernizing the reception facilities, restoring the ancient cultural sites and strive to have them registered internationally; (ii) make more fulfilling life through promoting physical, psychological and social well-being, improving available cultural and entertainment opportunities, promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle, enhancing the city quality of life and services such as water, electricity, public transport and roads, safeguarding the environment by increasing the efficiency of waste management, establishing comprehensive recycling projects, reducing all types of pollution and fighting desertification; promoting the optimal use of water resources by reducing consumption and utilizing treated and renewable water; protecting and rehabilitating the beaches, natural reserves and islands.A thriving economy, as for the second theme, starts from investments in education and training, passing by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with business-friendly regulations, easier access to funding, international partnerships and a greater share of national procurement and government bids, arriving to attract the talents having the necessary skills and capabilities both from within the Kingdom and abroad. Between the goals to achieve through this program is to lower the rate of unemployment and to increase women’s participation in the workforce. The necessity of expanding the investments into additional sectors moves to localize defense industries, improve the mining sector, and create a competitive renewable energy sector. Important support to these economic activities is considered the increase of the foreign direct investment and the private sector’s contribution.The third theme basically focuses on raising the level of good governance (transparency, institutional efficiency, on-line services, interactive engagement methods) and the protection of vital resources (safe and strategic food reserves to guard against emergencies, promotion of aquaculture in partnerships with countries reach of natural resources such as fertile soil and water reserves, priority use of water in agriculture for those areas with natural and renewable water sources, collaboration with consumers, food manufacturers and distributors to reduce any resource wastage).