RIYADH: The government’s National Transformation Program (NTP) for 2020 continues to receive widespread acclaim for its measures to wean the country off its dependence on oil and ensure more efficient spending.

Salman Al-Ansari, founder and president of the Saudi American Public Relations Affairs Committee, told Arab News it was a “very promising project” that would ensure a “bright future” for the country because of its focus on economic diversification, good governance, privatization and investing in human capital.

He said the NTP, which is a part of Vision 2030 being spearheaded by the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, chaired by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, would privatize industries so that they are no longer dependent on government spending and can create jobs for citizens.

“Overall, I am very optimistic that the NTP and Vision 2030 can transform the Saudi economy away from its dependence on oil, with greater diversification.” He also praised the government for having Cabinet ministers provide detailed briefings to the press on all aspects of the plan, showing it was committed to transparency.

Majed Abdullah Al-Hedayan, a senior columnist and legal consultant at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Arab News the NTP shows that the government is working to achieve better coordination among its ministries to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.

He said it was clear the country has all the resources to build a strong economy. Citizens would play an important role in future with programs providing for further education and training, he said.

Talal Al-Otaibi, a media consultant, also lauded the NTP saying that there was a bright future ahead because the plan focuses on economic diversification and the greater involvement of the private sector.