Envoys and Expats Laud New Vision
RIYADH: Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 that he announced on Monday has been well received by diplomats and expats here.
“The content of the vision is comprehensive, thorough and encouraging. It is in line with the world development movement,” said Li Chengwen, ambassador of China.
It indicated a constructive plan in all areas of the Kingdom’s development and would accelerate future progress, he said.
“I wish the Saudi people greater success on the road to national development under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he said.
Lawrence Anderson, Singapore’s ambassador, told Arab News that Vision 2030 was an ambitious blueprint that would transform Saudi Arabia completely.
“Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman deserves great credit for this bold and praiseworthy project to diversify the economy,” he said. “We wish him and the Kingdom every success in achieving the aims of Vision 2030.”
Ole Frijs-Madsen, ambassador from Denmark, said that diversification of the economy and a less oil-dependent future seemed a good way to go.
“The Kingdom of Denmark welcomes cooperation in many of the areas put forward in Vision 2030,” said the ambassador.
“I congratulate the Saudi leadership and the people of Saudi Arabia. Vision 2030 is a timely and substantial message that will move Saudi Arabia in a new direction.”
One of the highlights of the country’s vision is the implementation of a green card-style program for expatriates.
“I welcome the decision of the Saudi green card program suggested by the deputy crown prince. This will definitely consolidate expatriates’ contributions to the Saudi economy and stabilize non-oil sector revenue further,” said Faiza Abdul Qayyum, an innovative educator, consultant and trainer.
She said history was a witness to countries which integrated expatriates into their society which tremendously aided in pushing the economy to greater heights.
Saleh Ampaso Bucay, a senior systems engineer at an insurance firm, described the move as an unimaginable dream come true.
“As with many other expatriates, I have spent more than half my life here where my children were born. It is a great honor if the privilege of either permanent residence or a green card is granted to us,” he said.
Gilbert G. Alarcon, a Filipino expat, welcomed the move, saying it was a welcome development as expats already consider Saudi Arabia their second home. “The feeling of acceptance gives greater meaning to the already fruitful partnership and cooperation existing between citizens and expats,” he said.
(Source: ArabNews.com)