The ongoing Jeddah International Trade Fair is expected to attract nearly 16,000 visitors, according to organizers.

Adnan Mandoura, secretary general of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, opened the 25th Jeddah international Trade Fair (JITF).

Seven countries — Pakistan, India, Turkey, Honking, Egypt, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia — are taking part in the four-day show taking place at the Jeddah Centre for Forums & Events.

Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) is organizing the event with the support of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Eighty-two Indian companies and 44 firms from Hong Kong are major participants in the fair.

The event is the considered the oldest exhibition in Saudi Arabia, said Mandoura.

Local and international traders, manufacturers, agents, distributors, investors and entrepreneurs from India, Egypt, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Pakistan and a contingent of Saudi companies have gathered at a single platform, he added.

JITF has become the most important and the most prominent exhibitions in the region, he said. Mandoura said he took pride in Jeddah’s ability to operate as a main hub for trade and business.

The event serves as a platform for international and regional franchisers, entrepreneurs, agents, and business owners either seeking face-to-face interaction with investors, or establishing long-term business relationships with potential franchisees.

Waleed Sayed, vice president Al-Harthy Exhibition, also said the Jeddah international trade fair is one of the most important exhibitions in the Middle East for owners of global brands and local.

This exhibition has very much commercial influence in the business sector.

“The industrial companies and the Arab world consider Jeddah international trade exhibition as gateway to enter the Saudi market , the most important market of eth region,” he added.

Zahoor Siddique, vice president of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE), said the JITF recorded massive success in the past 24 years, and this is a promising indicator for the success of this industry and its prosperity in the region.

“This long established fair, has developed with the tastes and demands of the Saudi market, and has gained an unrivaled reputation as a must attend event in the Saudi business calendar,” he said.

“We’re honored that secretary general of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has given his support to JITF. The event continues to grow with each edition and is still considered the region’s most important event for the trade industry,” said Siddique.

He said the rising Saudi franchising industry, estimated at $1.2 billion and growing at 14 percent per year, is one of the Kingdom’s most vibrant sectors with highly promising potential.”

Celebrating its silver jubilee, the Jeddah International Trade Fair has become a prominent meeting place for the industrial leaders.

It is a gathering of national country pavilions and Saudi companies to explore business opportunities through joint ventures, distributorships and franchising and is still successfully emerging as the leading buyer-seller meeting ground for the multitude of products and services.

The 2013 Jeddah International Fair Trade is open to businessmen and traders from 5pm-10 pm.