The 1st Riyadh International Exhibition (RIE-2014), being held in June with the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, promises to be a world-class event showcasing local and international products. It will bring together businessmen and consumers on a common platform, especially providing opportunities for business exchanges.

At a press conference, the organizing committee head, Usamah Al-Kurdi said Saudi Arabia’s status in the world economy is attractive as it is open and competitive. “The competitive nature of the economy offers tremendous opportunities for businessmen.”

The RIE-2014 will create competitiveness for consumers and for businessmen to face-to-face discuss cooperation. The five-day event will be held at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC).

Outlining the salient objectives and target audiences, Al-Kurdi said three main objectives of this event would boost the national economy. They include local consumers who are seeking competitive products and services.

The RIE-2014 will provide pavilions for local and international firms.

Companies will be able to identify the needs of Saudi market in terms of products and services.

This will benefit both parties and promote partnership later. He said the Saudi economy remains competitive, while the country is becoming more open in terms of business opportunities.

Visas for foreign companies are being processed online in a very smooth manner and they are being expedited, especially for the participating exhibitors.

“We are getting more participation from many countries in the world,” Al-Kurdi said. “Our government encourages us through such global economic gatherings,” he added.

Al-Kurdi, who is also vice chairman of the international chamber of commerce at Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) said that the Kingdom has extended all support in this context.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the CSC, the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and the Saudi Development Fund are among the event’s main sponsors.

The organizing firm (Alagat), under the chairmanship of Al-Kurdi, said the event will be held annually during which they expect to attract greater participation from exhibitors. He cited the opportunities being offered by Saudi Arabia’s many important sectors in infrastructure, transportation and energy.

In his previous statement, Al-Kurdi stated that RIE-2014 offers investment trade and business opportunities for the business community enabling them to develop the level of the economic exchange between the Kingdom and other countries to a new height of cooperation.

This will create new markets in the Kingdom for current and new products and services from other countries. It will also create a venue for further contacts and cooperation between both local and business communities. This will deepen the international cooperation in various fields, he added.