The Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) has urged the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to link industrial cities with gas lines and rail networks in the Kingdom.
Members of the CSC made their request during a meeting with Walid Abu-Khalid, undersecretary to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry , in Riyadh last week.
Saad Al-Moajil, chairman of the national industrial committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers, led the CSC team of businessmen.
Al-Moajil said that such a link would boost the production rate of industrial cities. He added that such a move could promote the sector and offer affordable energy substitutes. In addition, he said it could reduce costs, support national factories and further ensure local products’ access to foreign markets.
Al-Moajil commenced the meeting by highlighting the positive cooperation maintained by the CSC and the ministry to promote trade and commerce in the Kingdom. He said fruitful cooperation would boost investor confidence and stimulate trade in the Kingdom.
Some of the other concerns raised by industrialists included issues such as the continued increase in land rent, as well as abrupt fines enforced on them by the Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON) with no prior notice. They also requested a fair representation of industrialists within MODON’s board of directors for a better understanding in matters concerning the sector.
Abu Khalid assured the ministry’s readiness to assist with industrial affairs. He emphasized that the ministry would continue supporting the council’s government procurement department in its efforts to activate the decision concerning granting priority to national products in projects implemented by the government.
