Strengthening Quality Infrastructure for Economic Growth: Saudi Arabia’s New Strategic Vision
Dr. Saud bin Othman Al-Qasabi, the Governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, emphasized the critical need to enhance the quality infrastructure to drive economic growth and ensure product safety. He outlined the aspiration to broaden the influence of quality infrastructure both at regional and international levels, along with improving the agency’s services by leveraging the latest technologies and maintaining a beneficiary-centric approach.
This declaration was made during the inaugural workshop organized by the agency to introduce its third five-year strategic plan, which extends from 2025 to 2029. This strategic direction builds upon the organization’s ongoing efforts to refine quality infrastructure, bolster the kingdom’s economic competitiveness, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
Dr. Al-Qasabi described this strategy as a transformative leap for the organization, hinging on five key pillars: product safety, a culture of quality, a robust infrastructure supporting the national economy, smart services focused on users, regional and international impact, and an overarching institutional excellence. These pillars are designed to collectively enhance the performance and effectiveness of the organization in its mission.
The development of this strategy has involved extensive collaboration with various government entities and the private sector, ensuring alignment with global best practices. This participatory approach included contributions from international experts in quality infrastructure, resulting in the formulation of twelve strategic objectives and twenty-eight corresponding initiatives. These initiatives give rise to over seventy projects aimed at realizing the overarching goals of the strategy.
Dr. Al-Qasabi underscored that the new strategy reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its pivotal role in supporting the objectives of Vision 2030. By fostering a comprehensive quality infrastructure, the organization aims to enhance market competitiveness, promote product safety, attract investments, and stimulate innovation across various sectors.
The emphasis on a culture of quality indicates a shift in how organizations and consumers approach products and services. By instilling quality-centric practices within both the public and private sectors, the nation aims to create an environment where excellence is not only encouraged but expected. This focus is vital in a rapidly evolving global market where consumer priorities are shifting toward trust and reliability.
Furthermore, the strategy advocates for employing advanced technologies as a means to elevate services offered by the organization. By integrating smart solutions, the aim is to streamline processes and enhance user experiences, thereby making quality assurance more accessible and efficient for all stakeholders involved.
Recognizing the increasing significance of regional and international influence, the agency plans to collaborate extensively with global entities. This approach will not only enhance local capabilities but also position Saudi Arabia as a leader in quality standards throughout the region and beyond. The aim is to build partnerships that extend the reach of Saudi quality standards and foster a wider acceptance of these benchmarks internationally, thereby reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a critical player in the global market.
In summary, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization is embarking on a heightened mission to transform the landscape of quality infrastructure across the nation. Through a strategic focus on collaboration, innovation, and a culture of quality, the organization is set to support the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. This initiative not only promises to ensure the safety and reliability of products but also paves the way for sustainable economic growth, investment attraction, and the overall enhancement of life quality in the Kingdom.
