JEDDAH — King Abdulaziz University hosted the Governor of the National Development Fund (NDF), Dr. Stephen Paul Groff, during a panel session at the “Academic Dialogue Table,” organized by the Faculty of Economics and Administration.

During the session, Dr. Groff discussed the pivotal role of the NDF and its contribution to the broader development ecosystem in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

He outlined the Fund’s mission to enhance developmental impact and improve productivity, focusing on key strategic priorities such as economic diversification and growth stimulation.

Dr. Groff highlighted the Fund’s initiatives aimed at creating sustainable job opportunities for citizens and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship.

He emphasized the importance of infrastructure development as a core mission of the Fund, detailing its efforts in financing large-scale projects in sectors such as transportation, housing, and public utilities.

Dr. Groff explained that the Fund’s primary mission is to empower affiliated development funds and banks to achieve their sector-specific objectives while ensuring financial sustainability.

He stressed the importance of focusing on targeted areas and supporting the achievement of beneficiary goals and activity targets.

Dr. Groff underlined the Fund’s critical role in reviewing and evaluating the impact of programs, projects, and initiatives to address developmental needs, economic priorities, challenges, and opportunities in a timely and efficient manner. — SG