JEDDAH, 24 May 2004 — The initial batch of students under the first ever program in Saudi Arabia to train young Saudis in establishing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have graduated. Out of 42 students, 29 completed the course requirements and were presented certificates by Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal ibn Majed at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI) here yesterday.
“It is the government’s policy to create jobs and support programs that help develop the national cadre in becoming self-sufficient, especially for people to establish their own SMEs, and thus participate in boosting the national economy,” Prince Mishaal said.
He said this was an opportunity for both the graduates and the country to benefit. “Don’t depend on others, make your own projects, continue to work and maintain quality in whatever services you provide or products you manufacture,” he advised.
Some of the graduating students have either already established SMEs or are in the process of doing so.
“I see that a lot of people are interested in reading but have few options to buy books,” said Fatima Hashem Mosalli, a graduate in biochemistry from King Abdul Aziz University (KAAU).
“So I have decided to establish a library in Jeddah where anyone can borrow books for a small fee,” she told Arab News. She said it would take about 18 months for the library to materialize.
Ahmed Mohammad Halabi, 29, is a geology graduate from KAAU and started a computer and technology project in Jeddah while undergoing training at JCCI’s SME center. He opened a store selling computer hardware, software and related appliances, as well as supplying networking and maintenance services.
Hatim Mohammad Al-Sabban, 29, who holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Strayer University in Washington, established an enterprise that produces freshly glazed nuts in Jeddah called Tasty Nutty, which is in the process of being registered as a trademark.
“I studied the market for about 18 months with the help of JCCI,” he said. “We roast and glaze a variety of nuts in front of the clients, and have our own recipe and flavors,” Hatim said, adding, “I intend to make the enterprise into a franchise.”
Underlining the importance of SMEs, JCCI Chairman Adel Fakieh said they make up around 80 percent of businesses globally and are a major contributor to the economy. “The chamber understands their value and is helping prepare young Saudis for self-employment in cooperation with the government and other agencies,” he added.
Saud Onullah, JCCI general manager, said the chamber was keeping pace with changes and preparing young entrepreneurs to face the challenges of international economy, while boosting the national one.
Dr. Sahl S. Gazzaz, head of the SME center at JCCI, said the students had attended a four-week course conducted in cooperation with SEDI, which is sponsoring a UNIDO program for such type of training.
“It is part of a program transforming job-seekers into job givers, and is held every two months,” he said. “The main requirement for joining the course is to have a genuine idea for a project,” he added.
