JEDDAH, 8 December 2004 — The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) opened its all-new hi-tech IT office and showroom yesterday. The new showroom is the result of collaboration between Malaysia’s Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) and the JCCI, according to Ghassan Ahmad Al-Sulaiman, vice chairman of JCCI.
“MDC is the right partner for the JCCI in this venture. Saudi companies will benefit from the support that the MDC/JCCI cooperation will offer to businesses operating in Saudi Arabia or ones that are interested in the Saudi market,” Al-Sulaiman said while jointly inaugurating the MDC office-showroom with Datuk Dr. Mohamed Arif Nun, CEO of MDC; at the chamber headquarter here yesterday.
He explained that the agreement comprised five strategies. These include creation and advancement of technological centers in Jeddah, encouragement and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the field of IT, identification and promotion of business opportunities in IT, encouraging companies within the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and beyond to expand in the region and to use Jeddah as its regional hub. It will also promote and support the establishment of a Saudi-Malaysian business club and other entities that will engage and strengthen the cooperation between Saudi and Malaysian business communities.
“The efforts of the JCCI and MDC fall within the parameters of the strong desire of both our countries’ leadership to strengthen our economic cooperation and is based on the conviction of all involved that the JCCI/MDC collaboration will further boost economic exchange between the two countries,” Al-Sulaiman stressed.
Highlighting MDC’s track record in pioneering technological systems and its participation in many of the commercial, industrial and services sectors in Malaysia, he added that MDC also played a leading role in developing an environment that is receptive to the technological innovations of Malaysian businesses throughout the world.
“We would like to see more Saudi-Malaysian joint ventures going for projects in third world countries, especially in this region. With your regional expertise, and Malaysian technology, this will be a win-win collaboration. The office will also assist Saudi companies to venture into Malaysia and the Far East,” Nun said.
He said the office signified another milestone for MDC. “It is not only a stepping stone into the Middle East region, but also an international recognition for the Multimedia Super Corridor,” he, said, and added, “Over the last 10 years, MDC and Malaysian companies have been exploring opportunities in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. For MDC, it is our first representative office in the Middle East.”
He noted that MDC, with its partner Integrated Visions, is involved in the e-Madinah and the digital economy project of the Madinah Province, which is currently in its second phase.
“It will contribute significantly toward enhancing government services and also help in the socio-economic transformation of Madinah as part of its progress and growth in the digital economy,” he said. “There are other MSC companies that are collaborating with Saudi companies through the Technopreneur Development Flagship Program,” he added.
Side FX has a co-production agreement with Ella Animation to jointly produce a one and half hour animated film called “Melaka.” It is expected to be released in Southeast Asia and the Middle East in August next year.
The function was attended by Malaysian Consul General Zulkifli Yaacoub, Mohammed A. Al-Sharif, JCCI secretary general, board members, businessmen, and other chamber and MDC executives.
