BackThe Saudi Economic Affairs Council reviews the performance of Vision 2030 and developments in the national economy
The Saudi Economic Affairs Council reviews the performance of Vision 2030 and developments in the national economy
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الشرق الأوسط51 minutes agoBusiness4 min readArgentinaView original

The Saudi Economic Affairs Council reviews the performance of Vision 2030 and developments in the national economy

A report shows inflation stabilizing at 1.8%, and the Council of Economic Affairs discusses transformations in the health sector and the allocation system

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The Saudi Council of Economic and Development Affairs confirmed the continued progress of Vision 2030 programs, noting the stability of the inflation rate at 1.8% in July 2026, and reviewing the progress of privatization projects and the transformation of the health sector, in conjunction with the rise in the Saudi Stock Market Index (TASI).

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Reviewing the performance of Vision 2030 programs during the first quarter of the current year.

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The report submitted to the Saudi “Council of Economic and Development Affairs” by the “Council’s Strategic Management Office” regarding the performance of programs to achieve “Vision 2030” and national strategies during the first quarter of this year confirmed the continued pace of progress in implementing the goals, and the achievement of qualitative achievements that reflect the effectiveness of national plans and strategies, and translate the goals of the “Vision” through its three axes: “A vibrant society - a prosperous economy - an ambitious nation.”

The report highlighted the continued positive performance of “Vision” programs and national strategies despite regional and international changes, which reflects the strength and flexibility of the Saudi economy, and its ability to adapt to developments and enhance paths of growth and sustainability, in a way that supports achieving the goals of “Vision 2030” and consolidating its gains at various levels.

This came during a meeting held by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, via video conference, at the beginning of which it reviewed the quarterly report of the Ministry of Economy and Planning on “the most prominent developments in the national economy and its growth prospects, in light of the accelerating geopolitical changes and the opportunities available to enhance its competitiveness.” “In order to support the process of economic development and the ability to keep pace with global transformations.”

The report also pointed to “the strength of the national economy and its ability to withstand regional challenges, with the annual inflation rate continuing to remain stable among the lowest in the world, recording 1.8 percent for the third month in a row during July 2026, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index for the private sector continuing to remain in the expansion zone for the fourth month in a row to reach 53.1 points.”

The “Council” discussed the presentation submitted by the Ministry of Health regarding following up on the progress made in the Ministry of Health’s transformation plan, and the resulting transfer of 10 health clusters from the Ministry of Health to the “Health Holding Company,” reviewing “the next steps to complete the transformation of the Ministry of Health into a regulatory and supervisory role over the health sector, to ensure the achievement of a tangible health impact.” By enhancing prevention, improving the quality of care and ease of access, and improving the beneficiary’s experience, in a way that supports the goals of (Vision 2030); Among them is reaching the average life expectancy to 80 years.”

The “Council” also reviewed the periodic report submitted by the “National Center for Privatization,” which included the most prominent developments in the first half of the current year for the privatization system, the performance of the supervisory committees, and the most important works of the system, in addition to the most important qualitative projects, as the presentation showed “remarkable progress in overall performance, and in the number of privatization projects and partnerships between the public and private sectors.”

like that; During the meeting, the “Council” reviewed a number of procedural transactions, including: the draft organization of the “World Tourism Academy” and the 65th annual report of the “General Auditing Office.”

The Council was briefed on the most prominent qualitative investment and development projects in the Eastern Region, the updated regulatory guide for programs for people with disabilities, the quarterly report on economic forecasts, and the economic report on international partnerships in the economic field. In addition to the semi-annual report of the Ministerial Committee for the Social Support and Benefits System, and the monthly report on what has been implemented from the executive plan for the Kingdom to host the main headquarters of regional and international governmental organizations and bodies or their regional offices, in addition to the results of the two monthly executive summaries of the consumer price index and wholesale prices.

The meeting reviewed the quarterly summary of the real estate price index report, the monthly executive summary of foreign trade, and the basic reports on which those summaries were based. The necessary decisions and recommendations were taken regarding these issues.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser Hussein, confirmed on Sunday that changing the currency is within the powers of the Central Bank, and pointed out that deleting the zeros needs legislation in the House of Representatives.

Hussein said in an interview with a number of economic affairs specialists, according to the Iraqi News Agency, that “the process of reforming the banking sector continues in coordination with the company (Oliver Wyman),” indicating that “there are no sanctions from international bodies on the banking sector after today.”

He added that “international confidence in the central bank is very high,” noting that “the seven banks that were allowed to deal in non-dollar currencies may begin work soon.”

He continued, "The majority of depositors' funds in Spectrum Bank are guaranteed, and if there is a deficit, the Central Bank will intervene." He went on to say, "We invest in the United States as a safe haven and the only country that granted Iraq immunity, and the risks of investing in other countries are great." He indicated that "the monetary mass exported amounts to 107 trillion dinars... What is circulating in the markets is close to 40 trillion dinars."

Saudi stocks ended Sunday’s trading on a higher note, supported by gains in leading stocks, led by “Saudi Aramco” and “Al Rajhi Bank,” amid trades worth about 3 billion riyals.

The main market index, TASI, ended Sunday's session up by 0.3 percent, closing at 11,069 points, adding 36 points, amid trades with a total value of about 3 billion riyals, equivalent to 800 million dollars.

The shares of “Saudi Aramco” and “Al Rajhi Bank” rose by less than 1 percent, at 26 riyals and 66.80 riyals, respectively.

“Refineries” stock topped the rising companies by 7 percent, followed by “Banan” stock by more than 4 percent.

The shares of “Anaam Holding”, “Boan”, “Food Development”, “Wafra”, “SASCO” and “BCI” also rose by rates ranging between 2 and 3 percent.

SABIC shares rose by 1 percent to 49.94 riyals, after the company announced that Al-Razi Company had obtained approval to allocate feedstock to establish a methanol production plant.

On the other hand, “Ladon” shares fell by 6 percent to 2.07 riyals, while “Comprehensive Path” shares fell by 2 percent.

Regarding real estate traded funds, the “Riyad REIT” fund closed at 4.73 riyals, declining by 4 percent, following the end of eligibility for cash dividends to shareholders.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

  • The seven Iraqi banks will begin operating in non-dollar currencies soon

    Likely · Within weeks

Open Questions

  • Timing to complete the complete transformation of the Ministry of Health
  • Additional details about upcoming customization projects

Related Topics

This article was originally published by الشرق الأوسط.

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