More than 600 people are expected to take part in the event, to be attended by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

“The forum will examine issues related to domestic trade with the aim of protecting consumers’ interests, giving them an insight into the factors that influence the prices of commodities and services,” said forum chairperson Nashwa Tahir.

Addressing a press conference at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), Tahir said three groups representing public and private sector and academics would discuss various critical issues at the conference.

The Saudi Customs Department, Saudi Ports Authority and Ministry of Commerce and Industry are some key organizations that are representing the public sector at the three-day forum.

Tahir said a poll would take place at the end of each session to study people’s viewpoints on the recommendations.

Topics of discussions include new steps to check commercial fraud and ways to ease import and marketing formalities, she said.

Tahir said the forum was being held once in two years, giving enough time for authorities to implement its recommendations.

She pointed out that five of the 10 recommendations made at the forum in 2009 had already been implemented.

They include the setting up of a bonds and securities committee at the chamber and drafting of specific guidelines to deal with the dud checks menace, easing of commercial registration procedures and promoting the business ventures of women, she said.

She stressed that the chamber’s active involvement would guarantee the forum’s continuity.

She also declined to answer a query on the reported absence of some government departments such as the Ministry of Municipal and Rural affairs at the forum.

JCCI Secretary-General Adnan Mandoura said the forum would also focus on the possible impact of ongoing regional and global events on domestic commercial activities and commodity prices, with the aim to arriving at solutions to vital consumers’ concerns.