NDFI is independent of the government's budget.[3] Based on Article 84 of the Fifth Five-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (2010–2015), the National Development Fund was established to transform oil and gas revenues to productive investment for future generation.[4] It is a member of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and therefore is signed up to the Santiago Principles on best practice in managing sovereign wealth funds.[5] Withdrawing any money from this fund requires the Supreme Leader's permission.[6]