This is with reference to the article “Attracting investors from around the world” (Nov. 9) by Talal Alharbi. It is important for Saudi Arabia to adopt investor-friendly policies so as to effectively diversify its economy. There is also a great need to ensure transparency in the implementation of labor policies. The current policies in the Kingdom don’t appear to be very investor-friendly. At a time when the Kingdom is making all-out efforts to diversify its sources of income, the current policies should be revised so as to attract foreign investment. I have nothing against the ongoing Saudization but the manner in which it is being implemented is not only questionable but also counterproductive.

Saudi Arabia cannot follow the path of other GCC countries, which are smaller in size and resources. By revising the labor policies, Saudi Arabia could emerge as the industrial and business hub in the region. In order to make way for an industrial revolution in the Kingdom, the authorities need the help of foreign work force to work along their Saudi counterparts. I think the policymakers should think about it carefully.

Tariq Mateen

Dammam