Prince Salman, who is also chairman of the Riyadh Corporate Social Responsibility Council, honored the founding members of the RCCI and its subsequent chairmen since its inception in 1961.
The prince also took the opportunity to honor present and former ministers of commerce and industry who have been associated with the body’s activities.
Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza also attended the function.
In his speech, RCCI Chairman Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy said the Riyadh governor has been a tower of strength and a source of inspiration for the RCCI.
“We are thankful to Prince Salman for gracing this historic event which follows a series of golden jubilee events that have been lined up during the course of this year,” he said.
He recalled that the prince laid the foundation stone for the center five years ago and that it has now become a rendezvous for all national and international business events.
Al-Jeraisy added that the governor has helped the RCCI become an important organization among the public and private sectors and among international business houses and magnets.
“Such a relationship has helped the RCCI promote the country’s economic development,” he said.
Al-Jeraisy added that the organization has grown from its humble beginnings to what it is today with the cooperation of the governor.
He also said the chamber was started at Al-Ghazan Street 50 years ago with a handful of officials and moved to its present headquarters in Dhabab Street 25 years ago. “Today, we have a membership of around 67,000 who participate in developing businesses in all sectors,” he said.
He added that the RCCI, while improving the national economy, is also facilitating local businessmen with an environment that is conducive to developing their businesses both locally and globally.
“Our headquarters have become a meeting place for visiting heads of state and global entrepreneurs,” he said.
Hussein Al-Athel, the RCCI’s secretary-general, said the committee organizing the RCCI’s golden jubilee celebrations has scheduled a number of programs to be held over the course of the year.
“Some of these events will highlight RCCI contributions in promoting private sector participation in the Kingdom’s economic development,” the RCCI’s secretary-general said.
