A symposium on sustainable development, organized by the Riyadh chapter of the Indian Engineers Forum (IEF), recently provided a platform for a high-level exchange of expert experiences. Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao and Secretary General of the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) Ibrahim S. Al-Jadhai addressed the symposium.

It focused on subjects related to energy and urban development in Saudi Arabia.

Rao expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Indian engineers' group, while giving a brief overview of the progressively growing relations between the Kingdom and India. He threw his weight behind any move by the SCE or IEF to set up a formal Saudi-Indian joint body for engineers, which will go a long way in boosting cooperation in the engineering sector.

Al-Jadhai appreciated the technical expertise and "work ethics of the Indian engineers." He assured full cooperation to the IEF. Suhail Ahmad, IEF's president for the Riyadh chapter presented a memento to Al-Jhadai on this occasion.

Young Indian engineer Syed Faisal talked about “Engineering and Engineers”.

IEF president Ahmad said the IEF entered into a new era of collaboration with the Saudi Council of Engineers, which has recognized the efforts of the IEF and extended their support. He assured the dignitaries from the Saudi Council of Engineers that the IEF will always keep the “flag of engineering” flying high by delivering quality professional services to the Kingdom.

Amir Khan, IEF founder and chairman, said: “The IEF provides a platform for networking, career advancement, community service, and technology exchange." Increasing demands of Indian engineers in the Kingdom are a testament to the professionalism of Indian engineers, said Khan, adding that the enhanced collaboration with the Saudi Council of Engineers would help the two sides to boost cooperation.

He said he sought to form an Indo Saudi Engineers Association under the able guidance of Ambassador Rao. This would provide a new direction on how Indian engineers could contribute to Saudi-Indo economic engagement, he noted.