Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Dr. Saad Alkasabi, governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), announced the entry of new investors into the field of motor vehicle periodic inspection (MVPI) in Saudi Arabia. Two companies have already entered the sector and more investors are expected in the coming future, he said.

Speaking to Al-Arabiya channel, Alkasabi said: “Today is a historic day for SASO as we announce the entry of two companies as new investors in the MVPI sector. The authorities in the MVPI sector have been working for some time to fix the terms and conditions for investment in this field,” he said.

Licenses have been handed over to two companies, and these companies would cover two networks, he said while noting that each network covers a group of Saudi cities, including the main cities.

Alkasabi said that SASO intends, within a month, to issue licenses to two additional investors, and thus bringing the total number of investors to four. By the end of June, the number will be increased to six investors spreading over various regions across the Kingdom.

The SASO chief said that the opening of private investment into this sector aimed to create fair competition in the market between investors as well as to improve the quality of services provided for the periodic inspection of vehicles.

He pointed out that the authority seeks through this important project to improve the quality of motor vehicle periodic inspection services as well as to improve the service provided to the beneficiaries including Saudis and expatriates. It also opens the door for investment to localize jobs for young people and find advanced services that rely on technology in this field.