Riyadh, June 2021: The Secretary-General of the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA), Mr. Nabil Khojah, met in Riyadh with the Undersecretary of the Omani Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion, H.E. Mrs. Asila al Samsamiyah, for discussions as part of ECZA’s efforts to enhance international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise in the development and management of special economic zones (SEZs). Khojah was accompanied by several members of the ECZA leadership team and al Samsamiyah was accompanied by a delegation.

The two parties discussed opportunities for cooperation and integration in the field of SEZs, wherein Khojah showcased ECZA’s role as the regulatory umbrella that ensures the alignment of the SEZs project with Vision 2030 and national strategies on the one hand and integration and connection with the base economy on the other hand.

In his comment, Khojah stated: “Our meeting comes within the framework of our commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of SEZs, particularly with sister countries. ECZA strives to build strategic partnerships and drive integration, and we are willing to share our experience in the regulatory and supervisory aspects of SEZs with our Omani counterparts, to promote the exchange of expertise and help achieve the objectives of both countries, in addition to enhancing the vital role of the SEZs in line with Vision 2030.”

At the end of the meeting, Khojah presented al Samsamiyah with a commemorative plaque in appreciation of her efforts to strengthen the cooperation between both countries in various areas of investment.

The meeting followed a detailed discussion between the ECZA team headed by the Vice Secretary-General for SEZs Mr. Wassim Khashoggi, and the Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones in Oman, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al Dheeb and his team. Both parties discussed a variety of aspects, including mutually beneficial investment opportunities and supporting Oman in its efforts to attract Saudi investments to its SEZs and free zone projects in Oman. They also discussed the possibility of establishing a Saudi industrial zone in Oman, to be developed, operated, and managed by the Saudi side, in addition to building logistics pathways for transporting goods between the SEZs in both countries, thereby benefiting from the shared economic impact and exchanging expertise in the development and supervision of SEZs.

About the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority

The Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA) was established by Royal Decree in 2010 with the mandate to provide full administrative and financial supervision over economic cities and special zones, including responsibility for regulating, supervising, and providing various highly efficient, integrated single-window government services for investors and residents.

Moreover, ECZA contributes to the realization of Vision 2030 by developing initiatives and innovative business models that promote public-private partnerships and support strategic initiatives and efforts to attract quality investments designed to spur economic cities and special zones and boost their value proposition.

ECZA’s vision is to make Saudi Arabia a globally attractive hub for high-value, long-term investments, based on the values of leadership, integrity, responsibility, partnership, and customer-centricity. It is also committed to creating and nurturing attractive social environments that guarantee residents and workers in the economic cities and special zones a high standard of living.

The role of ECZA is integral as a guiding hand for economic cities and special zones, and an attentive ear that listens to their needs and requirements to better enable them to achieve their objectives of diversifying the kingdom’s economy and creating quality jobs for young Saudi men and women.