On Monday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Competitiveness, signed a pivotal agreement with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to measure e-commerce and digital trade. This partnership is a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to fulfill the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, solidifying its status as a competitive and diversified economy across various sectors.
The signing ceremony took place in Geneva during the eighth session of the intergovernmental expert group on e-commerce and the digital economy, organized by UNCTAD. Dr. Eman bint Habas Al Mutairi, the Deputy Minister of Commerce and CEO of the National Center for Competitiveness, emphasized that this collaboration with the international organization will bolster Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the digital domain. It will enable a comprehensive assessment of the economic potentials of e-commerce, enhancing the Kingdom’s global competitive edge.
The agreement aims to facilitate the development of policies related to e-commerce and digital trade within Saudi Arabia. This will be achieved through the implementation of a detailed survey to assess the current landscape, coupled with the collection, analysis, and dissemination of relevant data. Ultimately, the goal is to produce guidelines and recommendations based on global best practices.
In addition to the signing ceremony, Dr. Al Mutairi participated in a discussion panel focused on the role of e-commerce policies in sustainable economic development. This event was hosted by the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, in collaboration with UNCTAD. During the session, she highlighted the impacts of economic reforms and infrastructure enhancements made by Saudi Arabia on the growth of e-commerce and digital trade.
The panel featured prominent speakers, including Rebeca Grynspan, the Secretary-General of UNCTAD; Dr. Bilal Ahmad, the Permanent Ambassador of Pakistan to the UN offices in Geneva; Dr. Keshway Chang, the Deputy Director of Alibaba’s International Digital Trade; and Torbjorn Fredriksson, the Head of the E-commerce and Digital Economy Section at UNCTAD. Dr. Al Mutairi pointed out the Kingdom’s efforts in enhancing its legislative environment and regulatory policies, which have successfully positioned Saudi Arabia among the top ten developing economies in the world for e-commerce and digital trade.
During the discussion, she discussed key initiatives, policies, and legislative frameworks launched by the Saudi E-commerce Council, specifically highlighting the various programs designed to stimulate e-commerce growth. Furthermore, she shed light on the roles of the Saudi Center for Economic Business, which aims to improve the business environment, ease digital trade processes, and enhance the efficiency and quality of government services directed at businesses and investors.
It is important to note that the National Center for Competitiveness maintains active partnerships with international organizations and global competitiveness development centers. These collaborations aim to leverage best practices and experiences to enhance the competitive landscape of Saudi Arabia. UNCTAD stands out as a crucial partner, offering vital support in policymaking related to all aspects of development.
The signing of this agreement not only enhances the measurement of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia but also underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to thriving in the digital economy. As the nation continues to evolve and innovate, such strategic partnerships will be instrumental in driving sustainable growth and ensuring a competitive edge in an increasingly digital global marketplace. Embracing smart policies and best practices will undoubtedly facilitate economic diversification and foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, vital for the Kingdom’s future.
