RIYADH, 10 February — In a renewed bid to promote closer trade and investment relations, the Kingdom and Turkey will organize a Saudi-Turkish day at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry today.
EPCCI chairman Khaled Al-Zamil will open a Turkish goods exhibition in the presence of a delegation led by Ambassador Ahmet Bangouglu, according to a statement released by the Turkish Embassy here yesterday. Businessmen visiting the exhibition will have opportunity to interact with more than 400 Turkish exporters taking part in the show.
The Turkish Embassy has identified a number of sectors for possible investment cooperation. At least 74 Saudi companies have made substantial investments in Turkey especially in tourism, banking, mining and agricultural sectors. Turkish companies are currently involved in the construction of industrial plants, sewage systems and housing complexes in the Kingdom.
However, Turkish diplomats have expressed dissatisfaction over low-profile trade relations. The volume of bilateral trade stood at SR3.7 billion last year. Ankara has also reported a sharp decline in livestock exports to Saudi Arabia.
Referring to growth in tourism traffic between the two countries, Turkish diplomats said more than 25,000 Saudis visit Turkey annually. Ankara had lifted visa requirements for Saudis and other Gulf nationals to visit Turkey for a period of three months. The local Turkish missions have also been issuing 4,000 visas annually to expatriate workers in the Kingdom.
Refresher course in obstetrics
JEDDAH, 10 February — The Saudi Obstetrics & Gynecological Society will hold a refresher course in obstetrics, gynecology and ultrasound imaging at the Research & Postgraduate Studies Center of King Fahd Hospital on Feb. 10-12, according to Dr. Maarouf Haj Mohideen, director of the center. He said the course would include special Internet/CDROM-based training. "We'll use electronic media and Internet online to teach the techniques of ultrasound imaging in obstetrics, gynecology, perinatology and fertility," said Mohideen, the course's director. (A.N.)
