The Education Ministry has launched a new program to boost private investment in the education sector with the aim of increasing the total number of students in private schools and colleges from 14.5 percent to 25 percent within the next few years. Dr. Ahmed Al-Khorayef, director general of Investment at the Agency of Private Education of Ministry Education, expressed his hope that Saudi businessmen and businesswomen would make use of the golden opportunity. "The ministry is committed to resolving all the problems facing private and foreign schools in the Kingdom and providing a sound and secure environment for investors in the sector," he told a conference in Madinah attended by owners and officials of private and foreign schools. Al-Khorayef's statement came following an announcement by Education Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Isa at the Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh on Jan. 24, highlighting his ministry's four-point plan to strengthen private sector participation in the education sector. The minister said the private sector would be considered as a strategic partner to boost the education sector and that an investment company would be established within the framework of Tatwir Company to accelerate the new privatization plan. Speaking at the Madinah conference, Al-Khorayef said the ministry would consider investors in the education sector as strategic partners. "The ministry has taken a number of measures to support investors and change the municipality's conditions related to areas and designs," he explained. "The ministry is now in the process of removing all obstacles facing investors after pinpointing the reasons that discourage them from investing in the sector," he added. Investors can make use of the government's support to the education sector and incentives. "The new move comes as part of the ministry's efforts to develop a strong knowledge-based economy based on our religious and national fundamentals," he said. Al-Khorayef urged investors to cooperate with the private education agency and education committees at the Chambers of Commerce and Industry to know the latest developments in the sector. The conference also witnessed a presentation on the new plans of the private education office in Madinah, which was done by Abdullah Al-Kuwaiti, its director. Nasser bin Abdullah Al-Abdulkareem, director general of education in Madinah region, emphasized the significance of the conference to promote investment in the education sector. He stressed the importance of partnership between the ministry and investors. "These kinds of conferences should be attended by senior officials from other government departments such as civil defense and mayoralty to resolve problems quickly." Al-Abdulkareem highlighted the progress of private and foreign education sector in Madinah thanks to its special position as a center of spirituality and economic development.
