Abraham Lincoln once said “The most reliable way to predict the future is to create it”. Relevance of Saudi ‘Vision 2030’ to prevailing global competitive environment rightly proves the accuracy of future course conceived by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. This vision has gained credibility with expeditious multipronged practical acceleration of KSA on internal and external fronts.
Vision Salient: Diversification, Connectivity, Progress, Welfare & Peace
Kingdom formally adopted Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman’s futuristic concept with the title of ‘Vision 2030’ in 2016. Concept has rightly set a grand progressive course for KSA with major structural reforms -:
Diversification and expansion of economy is key factor in this grand scheme with special emphasis on gradual reduction of over reliance on oil resources. In 2016, KSA decided to increase input of non- oil sector in GDP from 16% to 50% by the end of 2030. Besides this, creation of favorable environment for foreign investments is another key target set in ‘Vision 2030’.
Full-scale exploration of KSA’s geo-strategic potential is kept in focus for multidimensional inter-continental connectivity of Africa, Asia and Europe. $130 billion were initially allocated for upgradation of Saudi airport infrastructures and its allied sectors.
‘Vision 2030’ is more focused on KSA’s internal progress through enhanced welfare measures, modernized urban upgradation, futuristic educational facilities, environmental sustainability, healthcare outreach, Job creation and digitalization.
Intended societal reforms plan reflects Kingdom’s progressive approach towards creativity, art, cultural heritage, purposeful entertainment and tourism.
Being custodian of the holiest sites of Islam, KSA is fully focused on facilitating the pilgrims through highly well-organized Umrah tour, preservation of historical relics in museums and engagement with UNESCO to register the heritage sites.
Kingdom’s envisioned idea of stability lays special emphasis on peace at internal and external fronts. Non-violent constructive engagement with global and regional players remains the core principle to eradicate the irritants in conflict zones.
Strategic Dimensions of Vision 2030
First, KSA moved beyond theoretical conception by practically implementing the progressive reforms. It has emerged as leading progressive Islamic country with a well-directed economic policy, futuristic urban infrastructural development plans and a self-reforming vibrant society.
Second, KSA has significantly emerged as promoter of peace and progress. Its balanced diplomatic engagements with global powers radiate positive vibes of constructive cooperation and peaceful co-existence. Kingdom is maintaining neutrality by strictly avoiding alignment with coercive bloc politics. While maintaining safe distance from ongoing global contestation, KSA is simultaneously engaged with USA and China for restoration of peace in Sudan and normalization with Iran respectively.
Third, KSA’s lead constructive role in Islamic world is further reinforced with recent major stabilizing assertions. Kingdom continues to help Pakistan in overcoming the fiscal troubles by providing timely financial aid and oil on deferred payment. Timely financial support enabled Turkiye in overcoming the economic crisis amid catastrophic earthquake. Positive acceleration on peace plans in Syria, Yemen, Sudan and principle based stance on Palestinian issue are major indicators of KSA’s constructive strategic approach.
Fourth, ‘Vision 2030’ is a well-crafted strategy of striking balance in prioritizing the state’s objectives in the light of contemporary ground realities. KSA seems fully aware of the emerging challenges associated with globalization of economy. Survival and decent existence of a nation is directly dependent on its internal stability and peaceful coexistence with neighbors. Confrontational strategy is nothing but a recipe of disaster for the contestants.
Future Unfolding: Challenges and Proposals ?
KSA’s historic re-orientation in the form of ‘Vision 2030’ has potential to create impact beyond Saudi borders. This is a package full of opportunities and multi layered challenges which may unfold sooner or later as perceived here -:
One, KSA’s economic diversification especially enhanced reliance on non-oil resources is bound to gain success. This merits parallel capacity building to deal with allied issues related to global economy. Solution rests in creating professional specialization through institutional approach.
Two, KSA’s policy of restoring peace and stabilizing trust based ties with neighbors is a major step towards durable unity among Islamic world. Recent peace accord with Iran under Chinese mediation is a significant development on this account. A unified Middle East peacefully aligned with China will surely pose multiple challenges to US and Israel. This merits cautious acceleration on peace accord from Riyadh, Tehran and Beijing.
Three, impression of alignment with any player, may it be China or USA, must be dispelled by extending and seeking constructive cooperation. Crafty diplomacy will surely play a key role in defusing the unintended hostile outcomes.
Four, principles of economic cooperation and coexistence be adopted as fundamental of bi-lateral ties. Placement of regional disputes on backburner is the best policy to avoid exploitation from hostile players.
Five, integrated constructive use of human and natural resources will be the apex of Saudi vision. Countries striving for basic amenities today may be redirected on path of progress by developing basic infrastructures. KSA can play its traditional lead role in this drive.
Six, gradual development of indigenous defense capability should be kept in focus by KSA as a long term objective to get rid of over reliance on foreign players.
(The writer is a freelance and can be reached at [email protected])
