RIYADH – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the General Commission for Survey (GCS) signed recently a capacity development project with the main objective of developing the national capacities in conducting geo-spatial and marine surveys and the production of maps, marine navigational electronic and paper systems as well as geospatial information. UNDP confirmed that the one-year project embraces ambitious objectives to support the government in its efforts to promote the national development through greater efficiency in producing and marketing geo-spatial survey products and services. These aspects are conceived to fall within the overall mandate of GCS in improving the balanced regional development and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy as excellence in hydrographical surveys would certainly add up to the present strengthens of the Kingdom. Moreover, the project is expected to mobilize expertise and purchase technically sophisticated survey equipment and devises for the marine hydrographical surveys at the Red Sea and the Gulf of Agaba area. In its subsequent phases, the project will engage the advisory services of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Hydrographical Organization (IHO). It is viewed by GCS as part of its intent to advance the hydrographic science in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was signed by Moree Hassan Al-Shahrani, President of The General Commission for Survey and Firas Gharaibeh, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP. — SG
