JEDDAH: Mobilization of funds worth SR10.3 trillion to finance new infrastructure and welfare projects will be the focus of the first Jeddah Trade Forum (JTF), which will be opened by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal on Monday.
“The forum aims to discuss the need for funds worth SR300 billion to finance existing projects this year and more than SR10 trillion required for the public and private sector projects in the coming few years,” said Majed Garoub, chairman of the event’s scientific committee.
Nashwa Taher, chairperson of the organizing committee, said five Saudi women would make presentations on vital topics at the three-day forum that will tackle problems facing traders and consumers.
Nahid Taher, founder and CEO of Gulf One Bank, will speak on project financing in the wake of global crisis while Khuloud Abdul Aziz, vice president of Nakheel Capital, will make a presentation on bonds and securities.
Arwa Yousef Al-Aama, head of the IT department at King Abdulaziz University, will speak on the role of government regulations in wooing investment, Taher said.
Khadeeja Kashgari of College of Education will give a presentation on quality and standards and protection of consumers while Rania Salama, CEO of Arabiyat e-magazine, will speak on the role of the media in ensuring commercial security.
“We work together to solve the problems facing traders and consumers and simplify trade regulations,” Taher said. “Men and women are equal in trade but women face certain obstacles. Its solution will benefit both sexes,” she pointed out.
Five former commerce ministers will be honored during the forum, which will be attended by Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza.
Mohammed Al-Fadhl, chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the significance of the forum, saying more than 30 speakers including top government officials and Shoura members will address it.
