RIYADH, 6 October — Saudi Arabia and India have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the small and medium enterprises sector.
The agreement was reached at a meeting here yesterday between India’s Minister of State for Small-Scale Industries Mrs. Vasundhara Raje and Minister of Industry and Electricity Dr. Hashim Yamani.
During their discussions, both sides agreed that such mutual cooperation could help provide employment opportunities for Saudis through coordination in this sector. Pointing out that India has more than 30 years’ experience in this field, Mrs. Raje told Dr. Yamani that her country would be willing to offer its experience and expertise.
Both sides felt that special efforts should be exerted at the university level to encourage Saudi youths to ensure that potential employees become employers. To this end, a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia would soon visit India for a first-hand look at India’s achievements in setting up SMEs (small and medium enterprises), particularly in information technology parks and biotechnology field.
Both sides agreed that the Indo-Saudi Joint Commission meeting should be held shortly in Riyadh. The last such meeting was held in New Delhi. Later, the Indian minister called on Minister of Commerce Dr. Osama Faqeeh, when they reviewed the growing commercial ties between the two countries.
Mrs. Raje last night inaugurated at the National Museum, King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, the first-ever Libaas exhibition featuring a collection of Indian costumes from different parts of the country. More than 500 women invitees attended the show, which is held with the support of Princess Adilah bint Abdullah, president of the consultative committee of the National Museum.
On display are over 200 costumes procured from different museums and private collections in India.
