JEDDAH, 4 March 2008 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday appointed Abdullah ibn Ahmed Zainal Alireza as minister of commerce and industry. He replaces Dr. Hashim Abdullah Yamani.
A royal decree issued by the king said Yamani has been relieved of his position at his request.
Alireza, who hails from a distinguished business family, has been hitherto a state minister in the Cabinet. Before that he was the chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
As one of the most successful private sector leaders in the Arab world, Alireza headed the team that negotiated the Kingdom’s accession to the World Trade Organization.
Saudi entrepreneurs welcomed Alireza’s appointment.
Among others, Jeddah-based businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji said, “Alireza brings with him a wealth of experience to his position. He is certainly the most knowledgeable minister of commerce Saudi Arabia has ever had.” Added Saleh Mutabagani: “In this age of globalization, Alireza is the right person in the right position at the right time. He comes from a business family that holds the first commercial registration in Jeddah.”
