RIYADH: Riyadh will host the first Saudi micro-finance conference and exhibition next month to highlight the latest trends and products in the micro-finance industry worldwide.

Billed to be the first conference and exhibition of its kind in the Kingdom, the two-day forum to be held with the support of the Ministry of Social Affairs aims to promote awareness, benefits and up-to-date information about the micro finance industry to the professionals in the Kingdom as well as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Being organized by the Al-Harthy Group in association with the Saudi Credit and Saving Bank and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) at the Burj Rafal, Kempinski, the conference will kick off on Jan. 26 and a huge number of investors, donors, experts, policymakers and government representatives are expected to converge for the maiden micro-finance conference and exhibition.

The debut event promises to showcase and highlight the latest trends and products in the micro finance industry in an exhibition that will feature some of the biggest brands in the industry from around the world, the organizers said.

The conference will also provide a platform for exhibitors to network, discuss and exchange knowledge and ideas with local and international industry leaders and participants from the Kingdom and other countries. It will also get updates on the international, regional and local developments and benefit from the experts in the world of micro-finance.

Empowering individuals and building communities is the theme of the conference.

Enhancing, showcasing and highlighting the products, and presenting it in the rapidly rising micro-finance industry has never been easier in the Kingdom, hence the organizers look forward with the micro-finance industry players with opportunities for face-to-face, business-to-business discussions as well as prospects to sign contracts and agreements on the spot.