Saline Water Conversion Corp. among winners at Local Content Awards ceremony

RIYADH: Saudi firms were recognized for their contributions to local content development, with the Ministry of Energy achieving first place among 535 entities at an award ceremony in Riyadh.

On Feb. 14, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority awarded some 23 winners across four categories of the Local Content Awards in its second edition, themed “Celebrating Your Contribution.”

As reported by the Saudi Press Agency, the segment tailored for government bodies comprised two primary divisions, each containing three sub-categories.

In the Local Content Award’s Excellence Track for entities with the highest expenditure, the Saline Water Conversion Corp. secured the leading position, followed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture clinching the third spot.

In the category of state-owned companies, three winners were acknowledged in the Local Content Preference Excellence Track. Saudi Telecom Co. claimed the top spot, with Diriyah Gate Development Co. came in second, followed by Saudi Electricity Co.

In the Excellence Track for entities with medium and low spending, the Ministry of Energy secured first place, followed by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, known as Monsha’at and the National Center for Meteorology bagged the third place.

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, who also serves as the chairman of the LCGPA, hosted the ceremony, which was attended by numerous ministers.

Speaking at the event, he said: “We have witnessed significant enthusiasm since the launch of the Local Content Award, underscoring its importance and impact in achieving its objectives, which include increasing awareness and motivation, directing purchasing power towards local products.”

The minister went on to say that the award also enhances the contribution of both the public and private sectors as well as individuals in embracing local content culture as a national priority, in addition to industrial localization and knowledge transfer.

Alkhorayef emphasized the authority’s commitment to continue implementing local content policies, creating job, investment opportunities, and improving the balance of payments.

He also underscored the significant role of local content in strengthening domestic supply chains and enhancing readiness and response, both for the Kingdom’s regular business needs and during times of crises or emergencies.

According to a statement on the LCGPA website, Abdulrahman Al-Samari, CEO of the authority, pointed out that 535 entities have applied for their service, emphasizing its role in bolstering local capabilities, competencies, and resources to support the national economy.