JEDDAH, 13 May 2004 — Jizan Governor Prince Muhammad ibn Nasser has emphasized the need for using Jizan Port to promote the industrial and economic development in the region.
“There are serious efforts to make Jizan a bridge for Saudi and Gulf exports to the Horn of Africa and Yemen,” Al-Watan quoted the governor as saying.
Commerce and Industry Minister Dr. Hashim Yamani said studies were under way to make Jizan a free port. “Jizan port could play an important role in boosting trade and industry in the region,” the minister said.
Speaking to reporters after opening a seminar on industrial investment in Jizan, Prince Muhammad said the recent terrorist attacks in Riyadh and Yanbu would not affect the Kingdom’s march to development. He commended the cohesion between the Saudi leadership and people and their determination to confront and root out “the deviant group” of terrorists. Nearly 700 delegates including three ministers, senior officials and businessmen attended the seminar.
In his opening address, Prince Muhammad urged Saudi businessmen to make use of investment opportunities in the region. He opened a business service center at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s branch office on the sidelines of the seminar.
