JEDDAH, 7 March 2007 – The cartoon controversy that shook the Islamic world took the back seat at a meeting between a Danish business and investment delegation and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry here yesterday.
“The issue (cartoon) is behind us and business (bilateral economic relations) ahead of us and we must work toward our mutual benefit,” Henning Dyremose, leader of the delegation, chairman of the board at the Copenhagen-based Trade Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and former minister for finance, said, when asked at the meeting what was the impact of the boycott of Danish goods in Arab and Islamic countries due to the cartoon controversy.
Madawi Abdullah Al-Hassoun, a JCCI board member remarked: “We are a young country and developing. Our development may take time. However, we (countries) must have mutual respect for each other.”
Danish Ambassador Hans Klingenberg said: “The purpose of the mission is to help us look forward and not backward. We are back on the track and should move fast forward. We can be your preferred partners in trade, investment, tourism and education.”
The 17-member delegation, composed of businessmen and government officials, extended an invitation to the Saudi Council of Chambers and Industry to visit Denmark possibly in mid-2007.
In his opening remarks, JCCI Vice Chairman Mazen Batterjee said the boom being witnessed in the Kingdom in the wake of rising oil prices and consequent revenue, and plans for establishing new economic cities had unfolded immense business opportunities for the private sector as well as overseas investors.
A presentation given on behalf of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) showed how King Abdullah City (KAC) is being developed on a massive scale. Master-planned as a modern, world-class metropolis, it will become one of the most important cities not only for the Kingdom, but for the entire world as well. “In addition to being an economic city hosting an unlimited range of economic activities, KAC will also be one of the major cities of the Western Province. The new city will give investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world limitless opportunities with limitless potential to provide the Kingdom’s youth with one million new job opportunities,” Batterjee said.
“The Kingdom’s investment climate is very good. We also have a one-stop shop that facilitates all administrative documentation for licensing, registration, visas and residence permits within about two weeks for overseas investors,” he added.
Danish delegates said their tour of Riyadh, Dammam and now Jeddah provided them an overview of the ongoing development across the Kingdom. “We see great opportunities for trade and investment here,” Dyremose said, adding: “I have seen a lot of alliance between the government private sectors here. We are trying to do it in our country. Also, your business presence in Denmark is minimal. Copenhagen is a hub for the northern part of Europe and you should increase your participation.”
He added: “We have a system, which we don’t want to impose it on you. If you think you can take inspiration from our system, then we will be very happy.”
