International experts will discuss late next month investment opportunities in the Kingdom's water sector as well as the best model for privatizing the sector. A source said a conference, titled "Building Strategic Partnership for Promising Opportunities", is scheduled to take place under the sponsorship of Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli on Nov. 27. "The ministry is working toward fulfilling the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030. The conference will represent the launch of the ministry's participation in the 2020 National Reform Program," said the source. The conference will present investment opportunities available in the water sector in the Kingdom. "Water is one of the most vital sectors in the Kingdom. Investing in the sector will enhance the Kingdom's economic development. These investments will encourage the partnership between private and public sectors in the sector," said the source. He added that there are many areas for investment in the sector such as production, processing, transport and distribution. "The conference will also help exchange ideas between government organizations, officials and private companies in the region and the globe as a whole. The General Association for Water Desalination, the National Water Company, the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority and the Saudi Electricity Company are all participating in the conference," said the source. The source said enthusiasts and experts in the sector will also be attending alongside experienced agencies in the investment field. The conference will discuss the revamp of the water sector hierarchy, investment opportunities in the sector, the fundamentals of choosing the best model for partnering with the private sector, the source said. He said successful regional and international stories of privatizing the water sector, in addition to investments in water technology, will also be discussed. The source also said the conference will also cover investment opportunities in water desalination and distribution as well as collecting and processing of sewage. "The conference will have introductory and advanced workshops and round-table discussions to include the private sector in its activities. There will also be an exhibition of water technology products manufactured by regional and international companies," said the source.
