Saudi Arabia to be among world’s first countries to get coronavirus vaccine

Saudi Arabia will be among the first countries in the world to get coronavirus vaccine, Acting Minister of Media, Majid Al-Qasabi, said in the periodic government communication briefing launched on Thursday.

The Kingdom has prepared proactive plans and entered into agreements with several countries for early to receive early supplies of the vaccine and protect the health and safety of nationals and residents.

Saudi Arabia was one of the most successful countries that dealt with the coronavirus pandemic, according to international organizations, Al-Qasabi added.

On the other hand, the Saudi minister explained that the government decision to triple value-added tax (VAT) to 15% from 5% was painful and difficult, noting that VAT will be revised again going forward, amid improving economic cycle and normalization of oil prices.

Elsewhere, Al-Qasabi said that consumer protection is a top priority of the Kingdom, adding that the state will clamp down on those raising prices excessively amid the current economic conditions.

He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s campaign to combat corruption, noting that corruption crackdown is not only a key pillar of Vision 2030, but also an institutional approach.

Saudi Arabia is keen to eliminate corruption, Al-Qasabi concluded.