JEDDAH, 15 March 2005 — A major drive to expand business and cultural activities between the Abha region in Saudi Arabia and Germany is to be launched in Abha tomorrow. “German Week,” stemming from an initiative by the management of the Abha Palace Hotel, will feature the presence of many German household names represented in the Kingdom and bring a touch of German culture to the region. Dr. Stephan Keller, German consulate general, said that the event was designed to promote business in Abha and Asir but also provided an opportunity for the businessmen and people of the region to meet and experience some German culture.
“Saudi Arabia is very important as an economic and political partner, said Dr. Keller yesterday. “The importance we give the country was highlighted by the recent visit of the Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to the Kingdom.”
Germany ranks third as a trading partner with Saudi Arabia and Dr. Keller explained, “We think that we have outstanding companies who want to do business in Saudi Arabia in a variety of fields.” During his recent visit to the Kingdom, Schroeder said that economic relations should be supplemented by cultural and scientific cooperation. “That is why information on German culture and on studies in Germany will be part of the exhibition,” said Dr. Keller.
The current emphasis on academic exchanges and university and technical training available in Germany was highlighted by a visit by leading German educationalists to Jeddah last week, who were promoting German universities and engineering training opportunities for young Saudis. Dr. Keller said that he believed that economic and cultural relations with Saudi Arabia should not be confined only to the capital Riyadh as that would not take into account the richness and vastness of the country. “The region of Abha is one of the most dynamic regions in the whole of the Kingdom.” He said that Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the governor of the Asir Region, was to be commended for guiding the region to becoming one of the most promising economic hubs in the country.
“The Saudi German business group of Jeddah and the group of German companies headquartered in Jeddah recognize the increasing importance of the Abha region. German companies want to do business and enhance their presence in this region and want to learn from the business community in Abha about the specific opportunities in the region.”
