JEDDAH, 26 January 2003 — About 400 businessmen will attend the first Saudi-Lebanese Economic Forum, which will be opened here today by Riyadh Governor Prince Salman in the presence of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, told Arab News that the forum was aimed at strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two countries.
“The two-day meeting will also look into the obstacles facing joint investment projects as well as the reasons for a decline of trade exchange,” Jeraisy said.
Lebanese ministers of trade, industry and agriculture as well as representatives of the chambers of commerce and associations of contractors, hotels, hospitals and travel and tourism agents will attend the meeting.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Maqoushi, assistant secretary-general of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry for media affairs, said the Lebanese side will inform Saudi businessmen of the investment opportunities in their country.
He said the forum will focus on prospects of boosting cooperation in the areas of tourism, banking, investment, education, health, information technology, communications and real estate.
Lebanon’s exports to the Kingdom declined from SR457 in 1991 to SR173 million last year. The two countries have established 190 joint ventures.
