stop march of development, noting the recent economic decisions which were based on a long-term flexible economic plan that copes with the major international economical changes. He cited the recent new municipal councils system and the numerous economic regulations and measures that together formed a turning point in the economic and social policy and provided strong impetus for more and more growth and prosperity. He said the Kingdom's economic plans have been successful in setting up the projects which are able to lead the development and modernization process, the transfer of advanced technology, and the provision of high-level standards of education and social services, including health. The King pointed to the social aspect of the economic plans, noting to the social care services in all fields, including the services rendered to the handicapped. Giving figures on the role of oil in implementing and accelerating development, the monarch said the size of investment in the field of industry rose to more than SR260 billion, the number of factories increased to more that 3700 offering more than 354,000 job opportunities, SABIC occupied the world's first place in some industries, the transportation sector implemented or having under construction more than 73,000 kilometers of roads, and telecommunications have been making great strides. --More 2334 Local Time 2034 GMT
