KSA automotive cluster a step cluster

The first European automotive cluster training ended recently at the Al-Khozama Center in Riyadh with representatives from eight local institutions.
“We’re happy to have organized this training. Germany and other European countries have long-standing experience, which goes perfectly with the Saudi project to set up an automotive cluster,” said Andreas Hergenroether, a German Industry and Commerce delegate in the Kingdom.
Rudolf Menne, an internationally known automotive specialist of the German Management Academy (DMAN), conducted the training.
“For me, it is very encouraging to work with such a talented group. The participants are not only eager to learn all about cluster management but also are willing to set new standards in building up a world-class automotive cluster in Saudi Arabia,” said Menne, who is also the CEO of MCS Automotive.
Hergenroether, who handed the certificates to the participants after the weeklong training, said: “The interactive training gave detailed information on how a cluster can be successfully established, financed and developed.”
“Best practice examples were given and analyzed to enhance the learning processes. The training also defined critical steps for the installation of new cluster initiatives while an interactive way between participants and trainer was being followed,” Hergenroether said.
He added that the course was based on the experience of successful cluster initiatives and a practical step-by-step approach. This led to an overview of essential tasks, which needed to be implemented within the scope of successful cluster building processes.
Hergenroether added that all the sessions were designed as a practical guide to help management, regional actors, project managers and their supporting staff to develop and handle cluster activities in a proper and fruitful way.
“The next step of the EU GCC Invest project will take place on Nov. 17,” Hergenroether added.
Participants in the training came from local institutions like National Industrial Clusters Development Program, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON).
The cluster training was the third major activity of the EU-GCC project this year. Earlier, it also conducted an investment survey analyzing the flow of direct investment between the EU and the GCC and the EU-GCC-Invest Symposium, which took place in Riyadh last April.
It was organized within the framework of the EU-GCC Invest project by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Saudi Arabia and Yemen (AHK Saudi Arabia), the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK UAE) and the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC).