High spending set to create more jobs

Labor Minister Adel Fakeih said yesterday that the new budget for 2013, which focuses on greater government spending, would create more job opportunities for Saudis and help achieve sustainable development.
“The huge amounts contained in the budget reflect the government’s desire to achieve sustainable development, strengthen the competence of the national economy and improve citizens’ standard of living,” Fakeih said on the new budget.
He said his ministry is determined to supply manpower required for implementing development projects in various sectors.
“Greater government spending undoubtedly will create more jobs for Saudi men and women and reduce unemployment among them,” the minister said.
Higher Education Minister Khaled Al-Anqari thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for allocating 25 percent of the budget for education and training. He urged universities to use their huge budgets for improving higher education.
The national budget has allocated more than SR 50 billion for universities, he said, adding that it includes construction of three university hospitals and completion of campus and staff housing projects.
Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry said the budget has made allocations for 3,700 km of roads, make studies and designs for 1,500 km of roads, modernize seaports and strengthen the country’s railway system. “In 2012, we have constructed 4,059 km of roads while 22,000 km of roads are under construction.”
According to Justice Minister Muhammad Al-Eissa, the new budget would accelerate the Kingdom’s prosperity. He thanked the king for allocating a substantial amount of money to upgrade judicial facilities.
Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah said the new budget would have a big impact on improving health services across the country. “The budget has made allocations for building 19 new hospitals, five medical cities and completing work and furnishing of 103 hospitals,” he pointed out.
Fahd Al-Mubarak, governor of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, said the country’s budget surplus would enable the government to spend more on development projects. He commended financial institutions for supporting social and economic activities in the country.
Abdullatif Al-Othman, governor of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, said the huge budget would boost the Kingdom’s economy. The increased government spending would help attract more private investment in sectors such as education, health, tourism, transport and knowledge economy, he said.
Bandar Al-Aiban, president of Human Rights Commission, also commended the budget, saying it ensures decent living for the country’s citizens, protecting their honor and strengthening their capabilities.