The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) on the exchange of information about the economic and industrial conditions in the ICD member counties. It also covers coordination of operational strategies for potential co-financing of projects and technical knowledge assistance. The MOU was signed by JBIC Governor Kyosuke Shinozawa and ICD CEO Khaled Al-Aboodi at the IDB headquarters in Jeddah. Present at the signing were Japanese Consul General Toshimitsu Ishigure and representatives of JBIC’s Dubai office, led by Nobuyui Higashi, chief representative in Dubai, and members of the ICD management and staff. The MOU with JBIC reflects the efforts of the ICD to establish relationships with global development agencies with mandate for financing development in emerging markets, including ICD member countries in order to increase the flow of capital to its member countries. The MOU is expected to increase the involvement of Japan in trade, investment and other business activities in the ICD-member countries.
GREY MIDDLE EAST
The Kingdom has grown into a center of rapid growth in all sectors, Marc Lawandos, the new regional director of Grey Middle East for its office in Saudi Arabia, said. Lawandos, who took over duties in the Kingdom recently said: “I am confident that Grey will continue to aggressively grow business in order to stay one step ahead of the market in the Kingdom.” A business marketing graduate from Notre Dame University, Beirut, Lawandos joined Grey Middle East during a period of tremendous growth for the expanding group. Through their aggressive acquisition of premium local brands, Grey has been persistently ranked as one of the leading names in Saudi Arabia. Philippe Skaff, Grey Middle East, CEO, said: “When we began the search for a new KSA regional director, we were looking for a candidate we could trust to forge lasting relationships with both new and existing clients. With over a decade of highly successful experience on the ground in Saudi Arabia, we knew Marc Lawandos was the man for the job.”
ZAIN
Movie legend Omar Sharif is the voice of the new advertising campaign for Zain, the new global brand for MTC, the region’s leading mobile telecommunications operator. The 60-second television and radio spot brings to life the Zain brand values of radiance, heart and belonging, inviting viewers to look at the bigger, brighter picture through dazzling imagery. Building on the Zain brand theme “A Wonderful World”, the campaign suggests the richness of life. The night sky is portrayed as “my roof”, fields of flowers as “my perfume” and the ocean as “my pool”. The television spot ends with the words, “It’s not what you look at, it’s what you look for.” Dr. Saad Al-Barrak, Zain Group’s CEO, said: “The campaign captures the spirit of our brand values and invites the audience to look at the world around them with a fresh perspective. We want the brand to ignite and enrich the lives of our customers, driving them towards a brighter future and helping them to realize their aspirations.”
BUPA MIDDLE EAST
BUPA Middle East held its annual iftar parties in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Jeddah this week and honored its clients who have been with it through its 10-year journey. Tal Hisham Nazer, MD, BUPA Middle East, expressed his happiness over the partnership with its clients over the decade. “It is great to see our loyal clients who came to be with us to share our glory. It feels good and is an honor that major companies gave us the trust to be the official health insurer for their employees and families,” Nazer said. BUPA Middle East also distributed loyalty trophies to all clients who have been with it for five years and more. BUPA has won the best e-business award as well as the best call quality award in the Middle East. It also won the eighth place for the best company to work for in Saudi Arabia. Lately it launched MSG BUPA for pre-authorizations via mobile phones.
BEAC
Ahmad Ali Badgaish Electronic Company (BEAC), which has 30 stores and over 500 dealers across the Kingdom, holds exclusive distribution rights of Pioneer, BEAC and UNI-PEX. “Our strength is the firm belief we have in our core business value which is to provide our customers with the best product at the best price and to be available at maximum locations to serve them,” said Shariq F. Khan, GM at the company. The company was founded by Ahmad Ali Badgaish in the early 1950s. “We have come a long way, remained resilient and kept our status as a provider of top of the line quality electronic products.” Khan added. The company is headquartered in Alkhobar, with regional offices in Riyadh and Jeddah.