RIYADH: Enhancing human resources within Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector is vital for maintaining market leadership, especially as technology continues to advance, according to an official.
During the first day of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum in Riyadh from October 23-24, Minister of State and Cabinet member Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sheikh stressed that ongoing education and on-the-job training are key to the Kingdom’s prosperity.
This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s objective to triple its industrial GDP by 2030, double job opportunities to 2.1 million, and achieve industrial exports of SR557 billion ($148 billion), as outlined by Set Up Saudi, which supports business establishment and growth in the country.
“Continuous education and on-the-job training, including various short courses, are essential for skill enhancement. Without continuous training, the rapid pace of technological change necessitates upgrading human resources through professional development programs, offered in the form of multiple courses and certifications,” Al-Sheikh stated during a ministerial roundtable titled ‘Leveraging industrial policy for SDG impact – Practical insights.’
He further noted: “Collaborative partnerships with vocational and technical training institutions involve hiring trainees before training, with signed contracts. Many colleges have agreements with major companies like Aramco, SABIC, and Ma’aden, focusing on training local people in their regional strengths.”
The minister emphasized that these initiatives are critical for inclusive industrialization, ensuring all societal segments benefit while maximizing efficiency for the nation’s benefit.
“Regarding industrialization inclusivity, Saudi Arabia has made efforts to ensure a multidimensional, multi-regional approach. All strategies are aligned in the planning process, ensuring all stakeholders are synchronized,” Al-Sheikh explained.
He added that the National Investment Strategy considers various regions and societal segments, with 36 industrial cities spread across Saudi Arabia to ensure no region is left out.
The strategy focuses on people, aiming to enhance skills through development programs that benefit both men and women.
Coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in partnership with the UN Industrial Development Organization under the theme ‘Industrial Policies for a Sustainable Future,’ the forum aims to support global industrial development by crafting effective and innovative policies that address current global challenges and trends.
This is the first such event held outside UNIDO’s headquarters in Vienna.
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