Saudi "Basmat Khair" Initiative Boosts Street Vendors & Youth Entrepreneurship
The "Basmat Khair" (بسطة خير) initiative, recently launched in Saudi Arabia by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in partnership with 17 municipalities, has achieved remarkable early success. Launched mid-Ramadan, the program has attracted thousands of visitors and directly supported over 600 street vendors, providing sustainable economic opportunities for those in need.
Regulating and Empowering Street Vendors
A core goal of "Basmat Khair" is to create an organized and safe working environment for street vendors across the Kingdom. The initiative provides:
Licensed Locations: Designated areas for vendors to operate legally.
Resources: The initiative includes providing physical resources. Notably, the Eastern Province Municipality set a Guinness World Record by forming the initiative's logo with 529 tables, which will be distributed to vendors and charities to support regulated sales points.
Training Programs: Workshops aimed at improving vendors' skills and product quality.
This move aligns with broader efforts reported since 2020 to regulate the work of street vendors and productive families, allowing them to operate legally in approved locations or obtain licenses for other areas, often involving set fees.
Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship
Beyond vendor regulation, the initiative actively promotes a culture of entrepreneurship, particularly among youth. A key example highlighted is the "Merchant of the Future" event in Buraidah (Qassim region), which allowed over 15 young traders to gain direct sales experience. This reflects a commitment to nurturing business skills from a young age.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Princess Noujoud bint Hathloul bin Abdulaziz, General Supervisor of the street vendors file, emphasized that the initiative's success highlights the need for organizing this vital sector. She stressed ongoing efforts to develop the program for long-term economic impact, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of supporting small projects and economically empowering deserving groups. The positive public reception, with visitors praising the organized markets and product accessibility, underscores the initiative's potential.
Looking Ahead
The "Basmat Khair" initiative continues until the end of Ramadan, aiming to solidify its impact. Its success provides a foundation for a new phase in supporting street vendors as a sustainable economic component within Saudi Arabia. The focus on licensing, training, and integrating youth entrepreneurship suggests a comprehensive approach to formalizing and enhancing this segment of the informal economy.
Sources: Sabq