Access to Information Policy

 
This policy aims to promote individuals’ right to access public information – non-confidential in nature – regardless of its source, form, or nature. This includes paper records, email correspondence, information stored on computers, audio tapes, video recordings, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, or any other form of recorded information.

1- The freedom of information framework applies to all requests related to open and non-protected data. The following categories of information are excluded from the scope of this policy:
-    Information whose disclosure would harm the State’s national security, policy, interests, or rights.
-    Information containing recommendations, proposals, or consultations related to the issuance of legislation.
-    Commercial, industrial, financial, or economic information whose disclosure would result in unlawful gain or loss.
-    Scientific or technical research, or rights protected under intellectual property laws.
-    Information related to tenders, bids, and auctions where disclosure would compromise fair competition.
-    Confidential or personal information protected under another law, or information requiring specific legal procedures to access.
-    Military and security-related information.
-    Confidential agreements with foreign entities.
Details of investigations, inquiries conducted by competent authorities, or surveillance activities.

2- Key Principles of Freedom of information
Principle one: Transparency 
Individuals have the right to access information related to the activities of the General Authority for Foreign Trade, as a government entity, in support of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Principle Two: Necessity and proportionality 
Any restrictions on requests to access protected information received, produced, or handled by the authority must be clearly and explicitly justified.
Principle Three: Disclosure as the Default Rule
Access to public, non-protected information is a right for all individuals. Applicants are not required to demonstrate a specific status or interest to obtain such information and shall not be subject to legal liability for exercising this right.

Principle Four: Equality 
All requests to access public information are treated equally and without discrimination among individuals.

3- Individuals’ Right Regarding Access to Public Information
The right to access and obtain any non-protected information held by the authority.
The right to know the reasons for rejecting a request.
The right to appeal a decision rejecting a request to access information.

4- Main Procedures for Accessing Information 
First: Requests shall be submitted by completing the approved form available at the authority.
Second: Upon receiving a request to access public information, the authority will take one of the following decisions:
1-    Approval: If the authority approves the request in whole or in part, the requested information shall be made available within a period not exceeding (10)  working days from the receipt of the payment.
2-    Rejection: If the request is rejected, the rejection must be issued in written or electronically and must include:
-    Whether the rejection is full or partial.
-    The reason for rejection, where applicable.
-    The right to appeal the rejection and how to exercise this right.
3-     Extension: If the request cannot be processed within the specified period, the authority may extend the response period by a reasonable timeframe depending on the volume and nature of the requested information – for example, not exceeding an additional (30) days, and must provide the individual with:
-    A notice of extension and the expected completion date.
-    The right to appeal the extension notice and how to exercise this right.
4-    Notifications: If the requested information is available on the authority’s website or falls outside its jurisdiction, the individual shall be notified in writing or electronically, including: 
-    The type of information (e.g., information available on the website or outside the authority’s mandate). 
-    The right to appeal this notification and how to exercise this right.
Third: If an individual wishes to appeal a rejection decision, they may submit a written or electronic appeal to the authority’s data management office within a period not exceeding (10) working days from receipt of the decision. The data management office will review the appeal and issue the appropriate decision.

5-    Related Legislation and Policies 
National Data Governance Policies issued by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA): 

https://sdaia.gov.sa/ndmo/Files/PoliciesAr.pdf