"The mission is satisfied with its visit to Jeddah, and then to Riyadh and Dammam where the delegates were convinced about the huge potential existing in the three vital sectors," Michael Cockle, deputy consul general and head of trade and investment section at the British Consulate General in Jeddah, said. Some of the companies are already doing business with the Kingdom, while some others are here for the first time to see the potential areas where they can have a firm involvement, he added.

“The UK has been at the forefront of the changes affecting every aspect of port management that are sweeping the world. These changes can bring radical, affordable and innovative solutions, tailored to local needs in Saudi Arabia, as they have done in the UK," Mohammed Shokat, consul general of Britain, said in a statement.

"Importantly, they can make ports increasingly self-sufficient or less reliant on government funding, more efficiently service the needs of importers and exporters, deliver more investment opportunities and become major wealth generators for their region," he added.

David Howell, director of British Expertise, which promotes professional services worldwide, who headed the ports trade mission, said 10 companies representing the mission had visited the Jeddah Islamic Port and also met with some of the local companies connected with the port operations.

Tim Gray, international business development director of Railway Industry Association, London, who headed the railway mission, said the companies represented therein were seeking trade partnerships. "Our delegates are impressed with the Kingdom's railway projects that are currently being executed and will be looking forward to their involvement in the future," he said.

Chris Chalk, board member of the British Aviation Group and leader of the airport mission, said the companies represented in the mission provide a wide range of products and services. "All are eager to be part of the growing Saudi airports sectors and to develop relationships and partnerships with suitable Saudi companies."