JEDDAH, 20 January — Jeddah Economic Forum aims at marketing the city internationally by attracting visitors from around the world, Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairman of Jeddah Marketing Board, the forum's main organizer, has said. "The forum also offers an opportunity for Saudi businessmen to reach trade alliances (with foreign firms)," he added.
Speaking to Arab News on the eve of the opening of the forum, Dabbagh said the three-day event would also provide an opportunity for Saudi businessmen to exchange information and ideas with top executives of international companies on facing modern economic challenges. He underlined the forum's significance in the backdrop of globalization and massive technological advancement.
He said that about 500 prominent businessmen have already confirmed their participation in the forum, which will be opened by Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed today at Lailaty Hall. The forum, one of the most important economic events in the Middle East region, attracts a large number of businessmen. Last year 350 businessmen and executives attended the event.
Dabbagh emphasized the significance of acquiring right information in decision making and the forum's role in enhancing the knowledge of businessmen. "Top businessmen in the region are earnestly looking forward to hear the views of world leaders on modern economic developments, especially e-commerce and Internet services to promote economies of the Middle East region within the next 10 years," he pointed out.
Dabbagh said the forum was not aimed at creating an additional revenue source for the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Major companies are sponsoring the forum to meet its expenses. He said the fee charged from participants was raised to $1,500 from $1,200 last year due to increase in expenditures.
He welcomed the idea of holding the forum in other Saudi cities. "We welcome the transfer of this experiment to all Saudi cities, because firstly our aim is to promote the whole Saudi Arabia to investors within and outside the Kingdom," he added. Dabbagh said editors in chief of Saudi newspapers have been invited to make the discussions lively by asking questions.
