JEDDAH: A number of Saudi businessmen have expressed their sorrow over the death of Wahib Binzagr, a leading businessman and economist, saying his demise was a big loss for the Kingdom’s cultural and business circles.
Abdul Khaliq Saeed, a prominent Jeddah businessman, praised the late businessman’s farsightedness and management capabilities. He expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of a close friend.
Binzagr died in Brazil on Wednesday after a long illness. He was 75. Born into a Jeddah family of merchants, Binzagr took his education in Cairo and Britain where he obtained a master’s degree in economics in 1957. He studied at the prestigious Victoria College in Alexandria. He later went to the British University of Durham.
Abdullah Marei Binmahfouz, deputy chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said the death of Binzagr would create a big gap for young businessmen and women who have gained a lot from his vast experience.
“Wahib Binzagr has contributed to strengthening the Kingdom’s economic sector,” said Binmahfouz. “He held several important positions, including the posts of Jeddah mayor and chairman of Saudi Cairo Bank and many other companies and groups, including Sidk.”
Mahmoud Fakhri also lamented the death of Binzagr, saying the business community in downtown Jeddah lost a big friend by his death.
“He visited his office in Balad almost every day,” he said. “He did not move his office to other areas like other businessmen.”
Fakhri said Binzagr maintained his friendly relations with businessmen and business families, especially those who lived in the Balad area, which houses most of the old business families in Jeddah, and was once the Kingdom’s business center.
Mustafa Sabri, secretary-general of the JCCI, said Binzagr had a lot of fans in Jeddah.
“I remember a huge number of people, including senior and young businessmen, came to attend a lecture by Binzagr at the chamber last year,” he said.
