Young Saudis 'need more support to seize job offers'

Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, acting governor of Riyadh, opened Tuesday night a businessmen’s annual ceremony organized by the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC).
“I am thankful for the blessings, prosperity and solid economy under the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah,” Prince Turki said on behalf of Riyadh Gov. Prince Khalid bin Bandar.
He said that the security and prosperity enjoyed by the Kingdom reflected the good relationship existing among Saudi and foreign businessmen.
He added that young Saudis should be trained since they are expected to replace illegal workers who have decided to go back to their respective countries before the Nov. 3 deadline.
Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Zamil, chairman of RCCI, said: “This annual tradition aims to deepen the mechanisms of communication and dialogue between the businessmen on the one hand, and senior state officials and community leaders on the other hand.”
He said: “The exchange of ideas and views are the most important concern of the business sector on the national economy and its association with developments in the global economy.”
Al-Zamil hoped that “this meeting will renew and strengthen the ties between businessmen and senior government officials in the economic and investment sectors. It also increases the area of common understanding among them including supports and interests of the Kingdom.”
“This meeting helps create an environment conducive to business promote economic and developmental projects,” he said.
Mohamed Al-Kathiri, secretary general of RCCI, said, “This event engenders communication and intimacy among businessmen in the community. This is a great opportunity for exchange of ideas and proposals.”
Abdullah A. Al-Maghlouth, a Saudi businessman, said, “This is a good opportunity for businessmen to introduce themselves and share unique ideas. Public relations is important for business to grow and flourish.”
A Saudi investor in national insurance added, “This event shows the existence of a dynamic business community in Saudi Arabia and indicates the rapid growth of business in the Kingdom. Many foreign investors are coming to invest and build infrastructure. We envision a good working relationship between local and foreign businessmen.”
Speaking to Arab News, Sibi George, Indian deputy chief of mission, added, “The Riyadh Chamber is a great partner for us. They are doing an excellent job as far as business is concerned. We look forward to working with RCCI very closely in the coming years.”
M. Mustafa, senior adviser of investment support and promotion agency of Turkey, said, “It is a great opportunity for us to meet with Saudi and foreign businessmen. I thank the RCCI for arranging this event.”
Cindie-Eve Bourassa, the only lady in the huge gathering representing the Canadian trade commissioner, said, “This is the first time that I attend this networking reception. It is a great opportunity to meet very interesting Saudi businessmen and we look forward to working with them closely in the future.”
A number of princes, ministers and senior officials in the public and private sector, diplomats and prominent businessmen were present.