Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, today inaugurated a number of industrial projects at Riyadh’s second industrial city.
On arrival at Al-Abdul-Lateef Training Centre in the Industrial city, the Minister of Industry and Electricity, Dr Hashim Bin Abdullah Yamani, and a number of senior officials greeted Prince Salman.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman of the Council of Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdul Aziz Al-Athel, praised the support extended by Prince Salman to all industrial sector production activities, which are primarily aimed at bringing about the development and progress of Riyadh Region in economic and social domains.
He noted that the number of factories in operation by 1422 H totalled 3,481, involving capital expenditure of SR240billion, and providing employment to 320,000 people. “This investment contributed SR58.7 billion to gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for 95% of non-petroleum exports, with a sum of SR23 billion in the year 2000.”
Al-Athel lauded the efforts exerted by Prince Salman to facilitate the supply of natural gas to Riyadh’s second industrial city, and thanked him for his efforts to establish the third industrial city in Sudair.
The Minister of Industry and Electricity, Dr Hashim Bin Abdullah Yamani, thanked Prince Salman for gracing this ceremony to open a number of factories in the second industrial city. He spoke about the special attention accorded in the past and present by Saudi government to promote industrial growth in the country. “Progress is clearly manifested in the 10% growth in gross domestic product, as the volume of investment in industrial projects until the middle of this year amounted to SR247 billion,” he said. “Furthermore, this has contributed to fulfilling the needs of local markets and expanding to reach international markets.”
Dr Yamani said that non-petroleum exports witnessed a high growth of 23% last year, which confirms trust in the quality of Saudi products, which fetched SR30.7 billion in 2001. He attributed these accomplishments to state support, which has provided maintenance of modern infrastructure, positive incentives and wise policies.
Dr Yamani said that his Ministry is prioritising on the provision of basic infrastructure to establish several industrial cities in various parts of the Kingdom. “There are now 14 industrial cities in the Kingdom. The cities are spread over an area of 92 million square meters.” Riyadh’s industrial city covers an area of 18 million square meters, and accommodates 760 factories, accounting for 60% of the total 1,264 factories in Riyadh Region, which involves a capital investment of SR35 billion.
Source: SPA
