RIYADH: Extensive arrangements are being made to celebrate in March next year the 50th anniversary of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) under the patronage of Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman.

“We are thankful to Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the Riyadh Corporate Social Responsibility Council, for having consented to offer his patronage for the series of celebrations that are to begin from March next year,” said Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, chairman of the RCCI, adding that the organization has grown from its humble beginnings to what it is today with the cooperation of the governor.

Al-Jeraisy said that the chamber was started at Al-Ghazan Street 50 years ago with a handful of officials and shifted to its present headquarters in Dhabab Street 25 years ago. “Today, we have a membership of around 67,000 who participate in developing businesses in all sectors,” he said. He added that the RCCI, while improving the national economy, is also facilitating local businessmen with an environment conducive to developing their businesses locally and globally.

“Our headquarters have become a rendezvous for visiting heads of states and global entrepreneurs,” he said. Hussein Al-Athel, the RCCI’s secretary-general, said a number of committees have been formed to work on the celebrations.

“These committees are holding regular meetings to chalk out a comprehensive program to showcase the role of the RCCI in the development of the Saudi economy,” said Al-Athel, adding that the organization is keen to develop the efforts of Saudi businesswomen.

“We have done our best to encourage them to do more business,” he said.

The secretary-general also indicated that the training center managed by the RCCI imparts necessary training to local entrepreneurs to develop their skills.