JEDDAH, 18 December 2002 — The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its annual general assembly meeting here yesterday. More than 100 members attended the event, representing all sections of the private sector.
JCCI Chairman Abdullah Zainal hosted the meeting, along with vice chairmen Ghassan Al-Suleiman, and the chamber’s representative to the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ibrahim Al-Jomaih.
It was revealed at the meeting that JCCI’s financial position was healthy, with a positive cash flow and SR4 million in deposits.
Also discussed in detail was JCCI’s successful Jeddah 2002 summer festival, which resulted in a significant boost to local industry and tourism sectors. The festival made a SR3 million profit for JCCI, and that sum will be re-invested in next year’s festival.
The meeting also gave members the opportunity for effective interaction with JCCI’s board of directors, and they voiced their concerns and objections.
Ahmed Al-Turki, a straight-talking businessman, praised JCCI’s role as the first real civil institution to be established in the Kingdom.
Yesterday’s meeting also marked Dr. Majed Al-Kassabi’s final period as JCCI secretary general. Today, he moves on to the new position of director general of the Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Foundation. However, he will continue his association with JCCI as an adviser.
Later, at a press conference held by the board of directors, the issue of transparency between the chamber and the local press took center stage. Abdullah Zainal stressed the importance of a better and more effective working relationship with the press. “Transparency is the most important aspect of JCCI. We are a civil institution that prides itself in serving our society,” he said.
