RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s private sector labor market has reached a workforce of 2.4 million citizens, with female participation increasing to 36 percent, according to an official source. Speaking at the third edition of the Qassim Youth Empowerment Forum, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Affairs Ahmed Al-Zahrani said that the increase observed over the past six years is unprecedented in any labor market worldwide. The forum, also known as Fursati, which means “My Chance,” was launched on Jan. 31 at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah in the presence of Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud and senior officials. Addressing the audience, Prince Faisal highlighted that Qassim’s workforce comprises 38,000 male employees and 26,000 female workers, illustrating a substantial presence of both genders in various roles within the private sector. He added that this reflects the significant increase in job opportunities and the keenness to empower Saudi citizens in all divisions, underscoring the substantial support provided by the leadership in securing job opportunities for citizens and enhancing economic prospects, positioning the Kingdom as one of the strongest G20 countries in economic growth, reaching 7.8 percent in the gross domestic product despite the challenges and global circumstances. The Qassim governor also reviewed numerous possibilities and incentives that the labor market in his region has witnessed in recent years. He further said that these factors have contributed to an increase in the Qassim’s nationalization rates, according to the indicators and statistics detailed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Additionally, Prince Faisal pointed out that encouraging investment expansion in the region, addressing challenges, and enhancing economic opportunities have all played a role in creating job prospects for the region’s residents. The Qassim governor underscored that the private sector contributes to generating employment opportunities by immersing graduates from diverse fields. Furthermore, Prince Faisal highlighted the advancement of Saudization programs in the region and the empowerment of youth, including young women, within the private sector. He noted that this journey commenced around 10 years ago with the establishment of the Job Coordination Committee, resulting in the employment of 20,000 young people. Moreover, the governor noted that the region has seen the initiation of diverse women’s empowerment initiatives, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030. Furthermore, Prince Faisal elaborated on the establishment of the Women’s Leadership Forum, currently in its fifth edition, aimed at enhancing female-led empowerment initiatives. This endeavor seeks to enable women to actively participate in society, thereby strengthening the country’s overall developmental progress. The gathering included Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industry Affairs Khalil bin Salamah, who emphasized that human capital is the key to success in any industry but any workforce must be equipped with the necessary skills for an industry to prosper successfully. He said: “The industrial sector presently encompasses 11,000 factories, with our aim set at reaching 36,000 factories by 2030.” The deputy minister highlighted the accomplishments of the Food Industries Polytechnic, which began with training programs for 350 individuals, ultimately employing over 3,000 individuals and making a substantial contribution to the industrial sector. Sami bin Ibrahim Al-Husseini, governor of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, or Monsha’at, spoke during the session about Monsha’at’s focus on entrepreneurs and creative ideas that open new horizons to citizens. Al-Husseini said that his authority has made numerous initiatives, including financing programs, with the number of establishments reaching 1.3 million.