Saudi Vision 2030: take it seriously

The plan aims to transform the kingdom. It won’t be easy, but no one should doubt the commitment

SAUDI Aramco’s chairman and newly appointed Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Khalid al-Falih, describes Vision 2030 as “a pioneering and game-changing plan”. Of that no Saudi is in any doubt. But, like those watching from afar, many in the kingdom wonder whether such a broad plan is realistic and can be implemented by the target date. To name just some of the main goals to be achieved by 2030: develop a military-equipment industry to supply half of the local needs; rise from 19th to 15th in the league of world economies; and increase the private sector’s contribution to the economy from 40% to 60% of GDP. It would be a tall order for even the most astutely managed countrie