JEDDAH, 21 November 2003 — The Kingdom has nominated Saudi businessman Basil Al-Ghalayini for the post of secretary-general of the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce, based in London, an official has said.
The Chamber’s general election is due to be held in London early next year. Fahd Al-Sultan, the secretary-general of the Saudi Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, told Arab News consultations are under way in a number of Arab countries for the support of the Kingdom’s nominee. Al-Sultan added that Al-Ghalayini would be the first Saudi to be appointed to such a post, which will be vacant when Iraqi Abdulkareem Al-Mudaris, who has held it since 1975, retires.
“We are sure that Al-Ghalayini is the right man for the post for many reasons, but mainly because of his experience and knowledge in business, especially with the UK. He will be a great representative not only for Saudi Arabia but also for other Arab states,” he said.
Saudi chances of success are high due to the Kingdom’s close trade relationship with the UK and because of the Kingdom’s significant contribution — some 41 percent — to the budget of the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce, he said.
Al-Ghalayini, who is the founder and CEO of BMG Financial Advisors Group, told Arab News he welcomed the “great opportunity” and hoped to be the first Saudi in the post. “I thank the officials of Saudi chambers for their great support,” he said. Al-Ghalayini has been secretary general of Arab Bankers in the UK for the last eight years.
