Riyadh, April 12, 2021, SPA -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas. Al-Bilad newspaper said in its editorial that the COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions affirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s economic strength and ability to address challenges and their effects, as this was represented in integrated initiatives supporting the private sector and affected segments of society, alongside with implemented health measures, which contributed to overcoming the peak of the crisis. The newspaper also pointed to the speech of Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Economy and Planning Mohammed Al-Jadaan, during the meetings of World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he reiterated that Saudi Arabia has strong economic foundations, witnessing a remarkable growth in the non-oil sector and decline in the unemployment rate, whereas the IMF stated that Saudi Arabia’s economy is expected to grow by 2.9% in this year, a rate that exceeds the targets of major economies in Europe in light of the pandemic. This also reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's continued acceleration of the national economy’s recovery. The newspaper concluded that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to move forward in its active role to protect the global economy, as this goal was on the agenda of its presidency of the G20, in cooperation with member states. Moreover, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to exert efforts and supportive stances to expand the interest in the future of the global economy. In another context, Al-Yaum newspaper reported in its editorial that exceptional circumstances that the world witnessed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, especially on the economic aspects, should have affected the individual's consumption habits and spending priorities. Therefore, it is necessary to focus and control the food waste resulting from Iftar or Suhoor meals during the holy month of Ramadan and if individuals realize the size of the waste that can be avoided by determining the actual food needs during Ramadan, people will find that the rate of savings may exceed 50%, the newspaper added. In addition to the economic saving aspect if people manage their food needs, there is an aspect related to environmental protection. Moreover, people can always coordinate with competent and licensed authorities that deliver the surplus food to needy families, the newspaper concluded. --SPA 13:45 LOCAL TIME 10:45 GMT 0008 www.spa.gov.sa/w1541353