Istitlaa Platform Opens Feedback For 18 Economic And Development Projects In Saudi Arabia

The National Competitiveness Center (NCC) has launched 18 projects on its Public Consultation Platform, Istitlaa, focusing on economic and development matters. In collaboration with eight government bodies, the NCC encourages feedback from the public, government entities, and private sectors before these projects receive approval. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and public involvement in shaping regulations.

Among the key projects is the ‘Joining Riyadh Design Law Treaty,’ developed by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. This project seeks to simplify the global system for protecting industrial designs. It aims to make it easier, quicker, and more cost-effective for designers to safeguard their creations both locally and internationally. Feedback on this project can be submitted via Istitlaa.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has proposed a project called 'Municipal Requirements for Veterinary Care.' This initiative intends to improve the business environment for veterinary services by streamlining regulations for investors. It also focuses on enhancing compliance standards to reduce visual pollution and curb zoonotic disease spread, contributing positively to public health.

Water Service Licensing Procedures

The Saudi Water Authority has introduced a project titled ‘Rules and Procedures for Licenses.’ This project aims to regulate how licenses are issued for water service activities. The public is invited to provide their input on this proposal through the Istitlaa platform until a specified date.

Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge

The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property is also seeking opinions on the "WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge." The treaty's goal is to improve patent system effectiveness concerning genetic resources and traditional knowledge. It also aims to prevent patents being granted erroneously for inventions lacking novelty or inventiveness related to these resources.

By introducing draft regulations and similar projects through Istitlaa, transparency in legislative processes is enhanced. The platform promotes a culture of public participation by allowing citizens, government agencies, and private sectors to share insights on proposed business environment regulations.

With inputs from SPA