Ministers, envoys support RIE-2014

Commerce and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said at the opening of the first Riyadh International Exhibition (RIE-2014) that such an event provides a great opportunity for Saudi companies to promote their products in other countries as well as benefiting from their technology for mutual benefit.
The opening ceremony was attended by a number of foreign ministers and ambassadors, including China, Australia, Greece and Mexico. RIE-2014 kicked off here Sunday night with the participation of 17 countries, including Philippines, German, Morocco, Kuwait, Lebanon, Russia, Algeria, Turkey and a number of African countries.
Al-Rabiah lauded the participation of Saudi Credit and Savings and Saudi Arabia Export Program in support of the Kingdom's exports by providing funding facilities. He also praised the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in this regard.
The first event at Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) has brought together businessmen and consumers on a common platform where they can have opportunities for business exchanges.
The event, held under the aegis of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque King Abdullah, was also supported by the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC), Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), and the Saudi Development Fund (SDF).
Major participants in terms of delegations and the size of their pavilions include Morocco and Kuwait.
A Moroccan delegation, headed by Mohammed Abbou acting on behalf of his country’s minister of industry, trade and investment, said that their participation is within the framework of activating the recommendations of the Two Kingdom Forum, which organized its first session in Casablanca recently within the framework of activating the national scheme that seeks to develop business initiatives, especially with brotherly and friendly Arab countries.
He said: "Moroccan delegation of businessmen represent various sectors — food, textile, clothing and pharmaceutical. These and technology and communication constitute export capabilities and competitiveness."
At a press conference, the Moroccan official underlined the importance of new shipping linex between Jeddah and Casablanca in order to strengthen the commercial ties between Saudi Arabia and Morocco. He was in favor of greater investment between the two countries and opening new avenues for cooperation.
He said: "The Saudi-Moroccan relations come at the highest levels, and hope to double trade between the two countries from three to six billion dollars in the next few years."
He explained that the fraternal relations and economic partnerships between the two countries in the past year have seen a boost, confirmed by mutual visits and meetings between senior officials of the two countries. They contribute to the opening of new horizons for the Saudi and Moroccan economies.
Morocco trade delegation comprise 15 companies representing sectors ranging from construction, public works, building materials and electricity to electronics, pharmacy, automotive, textile, ICT and traditional industries, besides luxury items.