DAMMAM, 10 March 2007 — Salah ibn Abdul Hadi Al-Qahtani has been elected president of the Saudi-Canadian Business Council while Ali Burman Al-Yami was named vice president from a total 35 Saudi businessmen who vied for the prestigious posts.
Speaking to Arab News after the election, Al-Yami said there was tough competition from young members of well-known business houses for the post of president.
Al-Qahtani got the position through a draw after the candidates received equal votes.
Al-Yami received 14 votes while, Fouzan Al-Fouzan and Faiz Al-Olaiwith secured 12 votes each. Al-Fouzan was elected for the post of first deputy to the president through the draw.
Al-Yami said the council would work for expanding trade exchange between the two countries and boosting direct commercial relations between Saudi and Canadian businessmen.
“We also intend to promote transfer of Canadian technology to the Kingdom and encourage Canadian businessmen to invest in giant Saudi projects, especially in economic cities,” he said.
He said the council’s 12-member executive committee would hold its first meeting end of this month.
