Balanced Localization: Towards Geographical Justice in Job Opportunities - Nasser bin Fariwan Al-Sharari
Every morning, with the first glimmers of light that wash the face of my city 'Al-Qurayyat,' I watch a scene that repeats with machine-like precision: the refrigerated trucks of major national dairy companies standing proudly in front of central markets (supermarkets), unloading their cargo of this nation's riches—extended coolers and shelves crowded with all kinds of milk products, cheeses, juices, and desserts—a heartwarming scene that embodies the depth and stability of our food security and national supply chains. But behind this abundance and this huge financial and logistical activity, an observation emerges that deserves contemplation and study, relating to the extent of empowering young national cadres in managing and directing this field fleet in the peripheries of the homeland.
The question that imposes itself with the force of logic and sustainable development is: Where are our graduates who hold university degrees and professional diplomas in this scene? Where are the young people who aspire to a decent job opportunity in their cities, serving their community and contributing to the growth of their local economy, especially in the retail and distribution sector, which is the backbone of commercial movement?!
When we contemplate the localization strategies of some major food and dairy companies in the Kingdom, we find that they have achieved excellent and impressive rates of 'Saudization' in their main and regional headquarters in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Al-Qassim, where indicators are measured accurately in executive offices. But the real challenge lies in the branches of these companies in governorates and peripheral and border cities, such as Al-Qurayyat and others, as it seems these branches need a deeper look at actual localization plans to keep pace with the targeted empowerment pace, and so that some vital and field-leading professions do not remain out of reach for local competencies.
The job of 'Sales Supervisor' or 'Logistics Line Controller' is not just routine tasks; it is the backbone of the retail sector, providing a rewarding income, benefits, and a stable work environment. Today's Saudi youth, with their university qualifications and burning ambition, are capable of managing this system with high efficiency and integrity, whenever the opportunity is given to them and an attractive environment is prepared, and companies move beyond the traditional view that prefers foreign cadres to reduce operational costs, taking advantage of the geographical distance from decision-making centers.
Enhancing the reality of localization in all branches and governorates aligns fully with the foundations of the blessed Kingdom's Vision 2030, which calls for developing all cities and governorates and achieving balanced human and economic development. We look forward to comprehensive localization whose positive impact extends to all branches and warehouses of companies across the map of the nation, and that the focus is not limited to aggregate numbers in major cities just to adjust 'Nitaqat' indicators.
From here, we look forward, with the confidence of the writer and citizen, to the ongoing supervisory role of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, through intensifying periodic and surprise inspection tours by the ministry's branches in the regions to the warehouses and branches of food and dairy companies in the governorates, to ensure the alignment of actual professions on the ground with official titles, and to guarantee fairness of job opportunities.
Our sons hold qualifications, and they have full readiness to strive and seek lawful sustenance in the cities where they grew up. Major national companies are called upon to demonstrate social responsibility and economic citizenship that translates into a reality seen by the citizen in his local markets. The time has come to empower the 'son of the homeland' to take the helm of these logistical cells. The sons of governorates are the pillars of construction, and they are the first and most deserving to contribute to the renaissance and economy of their precious cities.
Self-motivation and self-reliance
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Original source: Al-Jazirah
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