JEDDAH, 3 September — Osama Kurdi, secretary-general of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has emphasized the significance of Arab industrial exhibitions, saying they would help promote inter-Arab trade.
Speaking to reporters after the opening of the first Arab industrial show here on Sunday, he stressed the need for holding more such exhibitions to strengthen Arab economies and promote exchange of investments and technologies.
Referring to the possibility of an Arab free-trade zone, Kurdi said: “Things are moving in the right direction to realize this vital project. There will be some obstacles. It’s quite natural.”
Abdullah ibn Dawood Al-Fayez, undersecretary at the Makkah governorate, inaugurated the show at Jeddah International Exhibition Center on Sunday. More than 130 companies from several Arab countries are taking part in the six-day event.
Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Suheibani, Arab League assistant secretary-general for economic affairs, said the show would enhance economic cooperation between Arab countries. “The Arab League gives a lot of importance to such exhibitions to strengthen Arab industrial and commercial ties,” he added.
Abdullah ibn Marae Bin Mahfouz, chairman of the exhibition center, called for more coordination and cooperation between the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and government departments to ensure success of such exhibitions. He said the organizers had faced difficulties in terms of visas. “We had received 300 visas but we could utilize only 72 of them due to difficult procedures,” he added.
Bin Mahfouz said a number of discussions would be held on the sidelines of the show, focusing on the problems being faced by inter-Arab trade and the effect of dumping on Arab industrial products.
“This exhibition offers a good opportunity for Arab industries, companies and exporters to exchange views, find business partners and agents and explore prospects of cooperation,” Bin Mahfouz said.
Saudi Arabia has the largest pavilion at the show with 34 companies and industries displaying their products and services.
Saudi exhibits include petrochemicals, foodstuff, electrical equipment, textiles and heavy equipment. Saudi Arabian Television Factory’s pavilion attracted a large number of visitors. It displays Saudi-made television sets.
