JEDDAH, 16 June 2006 — Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal ibn Majed has opened an expo and forum on commercial franchising at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Abdul Latif Jameel Community Services Program is one of the sponsors of the expo.
The ALJ Community Services Programs participates in the expo with the aim of promoting the idea of self-employment among the unemployed Saudi youth through franchising. According Abdul Muhsen Al-Harthy, director of the small projects program of ALJ provides non-profitable loans apart from offering youth guidance and technical and administrative training in choosing the area of business, location of his activities and other aspects of beginning and operating a new establishment.
The ALJ fund for the support of the small projects is currently negotiating with several companies to cooperate with in opening franchisee outlets to be run by unemployed Saudi youth. According to the scheme the outlet will be rented with necessary equipment and commodities to youth and eventually to their ownership. ALJ Programs will not charge any fees or charge for the service.