Saudi Arabia Opens Direct Communication Channel with Businesses to Overcome Investment Hurdles
Asharq Al-Awsat learned that Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment is launching a new service to strengthen its relationship with national businesses by providing them with direct access to a suite of investment-related services.
The initiative will assign each company a dedicated relationship manager, who will serve as the main point of contact to streamline access to government programs and services. These include the Strategic Investor initiative, the enhanced services program 'Meyza,' the Alignment Platform, and various services offered by government entities at the Business Center.
The move is part of the Kingdom's broader effort to create a more dynamic and investor-friendly environment as outlined in the National Investment Strategy, launched in 2021 by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The strategy targets more than SAR 12 trillion ($3.2 trillion) in investments into the local economy by 2030. This includes SAR 5 trillion through the Shareek program, SAR 3 trillion in local investments by the Public Investment Fund, and SAR 4 trillion in contributions from domestic and international companies operating under the strategy's framework.
The ministry has notified private sector companies that the new service will also serve as a platform to receive feedback, suggestions, and observations regarding regulations, business procedures, and related challenges. Additionally, businesses will receive invitations to take part in relevant events organized by the Ministry.
The initiative reflects the Ministry's responsibility to manage Saudi Arabia's investment environment, provide facilitation and support for investors, and elevate the competitiveness of the Kingdom's economy. Efforts focus on expanding operational scope, boosting competitiveness, and removing barriers that hinder business performance.
In the first quarter of 2025, the ministry reported significant progress, including the issuance of 44 regional headquarters licenses, resolution of 38 investor-related challenges, and the processing of over 1,000 investor visa services. More than 55,000 digital services were also delivered through the Ministry's website.
In parallel with these operational upgrades, the ministry is actively pursuing legislative and regulatory reforms to foster a secure and competitive investment climate.
One major development has been the establishment of the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority, which coordinates public and private efforts to position the Kingdom as a leading global investment destination.
Recent legal reforms include the implementation of new executive regulations for the commercial registry system. Under these changes, businesses now operate under a single commercial license for all their activities across the Kingdom, eliminating the need for sub-licenses and reducing financial burdens.
Additionally, new regulations for commercial names aim to streamline the name reservation and registration process, enhance their value, and ensure proper legal protection. The Ministry of Commerce has also introduced a mechanism to allow existing businesses to regularize their trade names in line with the updated regulations.
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