A number of businessmen and economists said the Shoura proposal came in response to the demand by industrialists and investors.

Abdullah Marae Binmahfouz, a member of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said several members of chambers had called for separating industry and trade within the Ministry of Commerce.

Adnan Mandoura, secretary-general of JCCI, said many countries have established separate entities for trade and industry.

Salim Al-Maliki of Taif chamber emphasized the need for changing the name of chambers to the chamber of commerce, industry and agriculture.