JEDDAH: Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) will launch a five-day exhibition for small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) run by young men and women today at the Jeddah Center for Events and Forums.
“The exhibition, which is the second of its kind, aims at encouraging and developing the business skills of young men and women,” Saleh Al-Turki, chairman of JCCI, told Arab News yesterday.
Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal will open the event entitled, The Business Youth Exhibition 2008‚ in which more than 300 small and medium projects will showcase their products, Al-Turki added.
The Young Businessmen’s Committee, an offshoot of the chamber, was encouraged by the warm welcome received last year when it held its first exhibition for the small and medium size business enterprises, Al-Turki, said.
Badr Al-Shaibani, an official of the expo’s organizing committee, said the visitors will include ministers and high ranking officials.
“Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza, will visit the expo on the second day and Social Affairs Minister Yusuf Al-Othaimin, will be the guest on the last day. Their visit will, undoubtedly, serve as a boost to young businessmen and women and help them overcome their difficulties,” Al-Shaibani said.
He added that the expo will help the marketing of their products.
“The most difficult problem faced by the small and medium scale projects is the field of marketing. The organizers also wanted the support of the large businessmen to support the small and medium projects.
“Such exhibitions are considered a door to encourage youngmen to enter the world of trade and discover new ideas,” he added.
The fact that the number of participants in the exhibition grew to 300 this year from last year’s 40 clearly proves that the idea of the expo is popular amidst the young businessmen, he said.
He also indicated that the chamber was considering the launch of permanent expos for the products of young businessmen.
