HONG KONG, 9 March 2006 — A delegation of Saudi businesswomen headed by Princess Loulwah Al-Faisal celebrated International Women’s Day here yesterday.

The delegation met with members of the Hong Kong business community at the chamber of commerce. Princess Loulwah, who is also vice chairman and general supervisor of the Effat College board of trustees, and Lama Al-Sulaiman, the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry board member, delivered speeches outlining business opportunities in the Kingdom.

The Saudi delegation visited the newly re-organized Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Hong Kong businesswomen, who met the delegation members, described their city as a gateway between China and the rest of the world.

Elizabeth Mu, lawyer and member of Hong Kong Federation of Women (HKFW), told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, that Hong Kong provides access to foreign investors in China. “We follow international rules and regulations because of our history. That brings comfort to the foreign investor who is not familiar with China as yet.”

Lama Al-Sulaiman described Saudi women as potential investors. “The Saudi government is trying to encourage women to invest their money and participate more in the development of the economy,” she said. Lama felt that Saudi women could benefit from the experience of Chinese businesswomen and the HKFW.

Peggy Lam, chairperson of the HKFW, said that the organization was looking for more cooperation between the two sides in future and to build a lasting relationship.

She also stressed the importance of sharing experience with women from different countries. The Saudi delegation visited Hong Kong University. It was established in 1911. The delegation gave a lecture on the Saudi educational system using Effat College as an example.

The delegation members answered questions from students on women’s issue in Saudi Arabia, such as education and employment.

Besides Princess Loulwah Al-Faisal and Lama Al-Sulaiman, the delegation members included Princess Mashael bint Faisal ibn Turki, Princess Noura bint Turki Al-Faisal, Princess Reema bint Bandar ibn Sultan, Samira Al-Sowaigh, Dr. Haifa Jamal Allail, Samar Fatany, Mina Al-Oraibi, Sara Siraj and Mishael Al-Dabaan.