RIYADH, 23 November 2004 — Saudi-Canadian relations in the economic and education sectors have received a boost. Some 760 Saudi students have enrolled in different Canadian universities and schools this year. In addition, there is the decision by a group of Saudi companies to join a high-profile international exhibition in Toronto later this month. This four-day event — “Construct Canada 2004 and Homebuilder & Renovator Expo” — will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center from Nov. 30. “These developments indicate growing bilateral relations”, said Canadian Ambassador Roderick Bell. He said, “I am delighted that a large delegation of leading Saudi construction companies will attend Canada’s largest construction show. We at the embassy feel there is keen interest from both major Saudi organizations and their Canadian counterparts to expand business contacts between our countries, and there are many opportunities to increase our bilateral trade”.
In the education sector, the ambassador said that relations between Riyadh and Ottawa have been steadily increasing. In addition to the Saudi students at Canadian educational institutions this year, the Kingdom sent 650 students going to study in Canada in 2003. The most common choices of Saudi students include English language courses, medical education and engineering.
Spelling out the details of the participation of Saudi companies in the Canadian exhibition, the ambassador said that 10 representatives of seven leading Saudi engineering and construction companies will attend the exhibition. The Saudi trade delegation is being led by Joe Fakhri, senior commercial officer at the embassy. Among the Saudi organizations participating in the show are the Saudi Bin Laden Group, Al-Mobty Company, Sal-Esnad Est., Saudi Structures Contracting Company, Cercon General Contractor, Haif Company and Amin Ali Ahmadi Trading Est.
Asked about future events, Andrew Turner, press officer at the embassy, said that the next Canada-Saudi Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting is scheduled for 2005 and both sides are giving careful consideration to the exact timing and format of the event. Turner pointed out that the Canada-Arab Business Council (CABC), many members of which also belong to the Saudi-Canada Business Council, continues to promote the region as one of opportunity for Canadian business. In addition to creating awareness within Canada about the opportunities that are available in the Arab region, CABC is also an excellent resource for those who are unfamiliar with regional business practices and customs. Finally, as part of its activities the CABC organizes business missions to the Gulf region. These missions are often focused on particular market sectors which have been identified as presenting significant opportunities for CABC members.