Game CHANGER
OMACO is helping the Saudi economy steer away from oil dependency by regulating energy use and reducing energy wastage.
What is the importance of cooperation between the private and public sectors?
Since its foundation, Saudi Arabia has always believed in a free economy. The Saudi economy is still driven by oil, though the leadership is working hard to diversify it. However, this will take time, as the world is still, to a large extent, dependent on fossil fuels. Oil revenues have traditionally been reinjected into the country in the form of megaprojects, which in turn lift the rest of the economy. Moving forward, this has to include a step-by-step approach in order to build a more sustainable economy and develop our industries. In order to become a sustainable country, we need success stories based on mutual cooperation between the public and private sectors, such as King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). Although KAEC is far from completion, it is a successful model of how to work out a effective public-private structure. At present, KAEC is home to more than 100 factories, and the port is set to become the real game-changer in the whole region.
“In order to move away from dependence on oil and become a sustainable country, we need success stories based on mutual cooperation between the public and private sectors.”
What role can small and medium enterprises play in the next economic cycles?
SMEs hold the key to increasing employment rates across the Kingdom. The government has dedicated significant amounts of capital to SMEs, and the SME authority needs to look at the economy and segment it, placing every SME in a segment as part of the supply chain. We need a realistic assessment of how a large company can contribute compared to a small one and tailor solutions accordingly. Both the government and private sector must guide SMEs and help them with themed industrial clusters such as automotive or renewable energy and facilitate their outsourcing of accounting, HR, legal, and other services to specialized companies, allowing SMEs to focus on production. We want SMEs to be innovators and not turn into copycats. Specialization will ensure they do not lose out to bigger players.
For international investors, where do the major opportunities for JVs and partnerships lie in the next five years?
Transparency, streamlined regulations, and rule of law are three key aspects that attract international investors to a country. At present, any international investor can set up a company in three days online and engage in investment opportunities posted by the Saudi Arabian General Investments Authority (SAGIA). One needs to look realistically at the market to see whether it is convenient to start a venture from zero or invest in an international business, with the idea of bringing technology to Saudi Arabia. I can identify three main areas for investment: mining, education, and healthcare. Mining is an area of growth; education and training can build and hone the skills and capabilities of our Saudi youth; and investment in healthcare is required to increase the number of all sorts of healthcare providers. Tourism and entertainment are other areas that can lead to attractive returns in the long run.
What role do you expect technology to play in the Saudi business landscape?
Undoubtedly, technological innovation will continue to play an increasingly important role in all sectors. However, for the time being, technology’s value lies in improving efficiencies. OMACO, for example, has installed sensors to achieve power savings. Energy has become more expensive because of the removal of electricity and fuel subsidies, so power savings is a crucial area that can witness some concrete improvements. Overall, technology is starting to be seen as a powerful tool to reduce energy wastage. For example, running a machine at full capacity is not efficient, and programmable controls like scanners can help regulate energy use. ✖