RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Sunday called for developing the Arab industrial sector by acquiring modern technology, promoting innovations and achieving international standards.
In his opening address to the Fourth Arab Conference for Industrial Information and Networks, King Abdullah emphasized the need to remove obstacles facing industries in the Arab world.
The conference, titled “Industrial Information with Advanced Technologies, the Way to Develop Arab Industry,” is organized by Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) in association with Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization, the Islamic Development Bank and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
In his speech, which was read out by Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza, King Abdullah highlighted the conference’s pivotal role in developing Arab industry.
King Abdullah expressed his confidence that Arab products and services are capable of conquering world markets. He hoped the conference would make use of modern technology in industrial information and networks, geographical information systems, standards and quality systems to develop the sector.
King Abdullah in his keynote address also wished every success to the conference and hoped that it would achieve the desired outcome of enhancing Arab capabilities and realizing Arab ambitions.
Prince Saud bin Thunayan, chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, said industrial development is considered one of the major criteria for the progress of any country.
He said the industrial cities in Jubail and Yanbu, which accommodate large petrochemical plants, are the results of the Kingdom’s strategic planning. “All Arabs can be proud of this great achievement,” he said.
Prince Saud said the mineral industries in Ras Al-Zour have been merged with the Royal Commission as part of a strategic decision to integrate petrochemical and mining industries. He also noted the commission’s efforts in acquiring modern technology for the development of industries.
“The Royal Commission currently contributes seven percent of its gross domestic product or 60 percent of the gross industrial product. The industrial cities in Jubail and Yanbu account for 70 percent of the Kingdom’s industrial exports and 85 percent of non-oil exports.”
Muhammad bin Yousuf, director general of the Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization, said efforts were underway to transform his organization’s office into a digital one and set up a model industrial data center.
Mubarak Al-Khafra, chairman of National Industrialization Company, expressed his hope that the conference would come out with resolutions that would have a positive impact on industries in the Arab world.