JEDDAH, 11 January 2004 — The Jeddah Economic Forum Women’s Committee, a sub-committee of the Businesswomen’s Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, held a media briefing session on Wednesday at the residence of Mrs. Madawi Al-Hassoun, chairperson of the sub-committee. “In the past JEFs, women had a minor role, but this year we are involved in everything from arranging speakers to registration and supervision of the event,” said Al-Hassoun.

This year, women attendants will pay a registration fee of SR1,875, about half of what men will pay. The inclusion of the fee is to discourage women who used to attend the forum but had no interest or relation to business Pre-registration is highly recommended as numbers are limited.

The Jeddah Marketing Board is currently accepting registrations through different payment forms. Starting on Jan. 15, the Jeddah Hilton, where the JEF will take place, will also provide a desk for pre-registration.

The goals of the JEF include examining the key issues affecting the Middle East — and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular — to enjoy sustained economic growth, generate new work opportunities, and maintain a stable business environment.

The first day of the JEF will focus on the local agenda, the second on regional agenda and the third on the international agenda. “Locally, our biggest challenge is developing our human resources and addressing the issue of privatization. Regionally, we can learn from countries that were able to turn around their economy without changing their culture. And internationally, we have to consider the trend of global economic integration and unification, which gives power and leverage. We don’t even have a single currency or a common market,” said Dr. Nadia Baeshen, an economics professor at King Abdul Aziz University and sub-committee member.

“We want to learn from other countries experiences and success stories, such as Malaysia, and provide the right environment for new investors,” said Dr. Baeshen.

“We also want to identify and prioritize the actions necessary to achieve these goals and to publish a report within three months of the JEF,” added Dr.Haifa Jamal Allail, Dean of Effat College.

Also announced was the establishment of the Khadija Bin Khowayled Center for Supporting Businesswomen to be headed by Dr. Baeshen. The idea for the center developed over recent years as women’s participation and involvement in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce grew. The center will start work in six weeks time.