Minister Belmont reiterated the Government's program to support economic growth in both the international and domestic commercial sectors. Government concessions are available for businesses within the domestic sector, particularly export, under the Investment Promotion Act (IPA). Foreign and local banks have shown a keen interest within these sectors. This year, approval had been granted to five new foreign companies to start operations in the domestic sector under the IPA. Total capital of SR7.5 million will be invested in the production of plastics, traditional Chinese medicines, ice cream powder, cones and ropes. Several other local production companies have applied to benefit from the Government incentives including paint manufacturers and furniture assembly enterprises.

Presently, 18 companies operate within the SITZ including Indian Ocean Tuna Limited (IOT), Chelle Medical, Mettle and Ink, and Planus Dental Technologies. Legislation for the establishment of the SITZ had been implemented for over five years but it was only last year that the zone became fully operational. Since the demand has increased from international companies, more space will be needed in future for smaller business operations. The Ministry is involved in discussions with the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat for the availability of more land when the new reclamation project is completed.