The National Competitiveness Center's Public Consultation Platform, Istitlaa, has put forward 18 projects related to economic and development affairs. In cooperation with 8 government agencies, the NCC invites the general public, government agencies, and the private sector to express their views and feedback on projects prior to their approval.
Key projects presented on the platform include a project titled 'Joining Riyadh Design Law Treaty.' Developed by Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, this project aims to clarify the treaty which streamlines the global system for protecting industrial designs, making it easier, faster, and more affordable for designers to protect their work in home markets as well as overseas. The public can provide feedback on this project through the Istitlaa platform until March 3, 2025.
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has proposed a project titled 'Municipal Requirements for Veterinary Care' to enhance the business environment for veterinary services. This initiative aims to streamline regulations for investors in the veterinary care sector, improve compliance standards to mitigate visual pollution, and contribute to public health by reducing the spread of zoonotic diseases. Public consultation on this project will remain open until March 6, 2025.
The Saudi Water Authority has introduced a new project titled 'Rules and Procedures for Licenses.' This project aims to regulate procedures for issuing licenses for water service activities. Public consultation on this project will conclude on March 7, 2025.
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) is seeking public input on the "WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge." This treaty aims to: enhance the efficacy, transparency, and quality of the patent system regarding genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge; and prevent the erroneous granting of patents for inventions lacking novelty or inventiveness in relation to these resources. Public consultation on this treaty will conclude on March 11, 2025.
The introduction of draft regulations, by-laws, and similar projects through the Istitlaa platform serves as an affirmation of enhanced transparency in the legislative environment. Likewise, Istitlaa fosters a culture of public participation by enabling citizens, government agencies, and the private sector to contribute their insights and feedback on proposed regulations related to the business environment.