Saudi- Localization of industries analyzed 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Saline Water Conversion Corporation Gov. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Ibrahim was the key speaker at the opening of the three-day forum on localization of industries.

A number of leading businessmen from the Eastern Province attended the first day's deliberations yesterday at the Sheraton Dammam; among others they included Thabit Suwaider Al-Leheibi, Salman Al-Jishi, Ahmad bin Nasser Al-Suwaidan, Salah Abdulhadi Al-Qahtani, Ibrahim Al-Jomaih and Abdul Aziz Al-Abdulkarim.

The forum is discussing government's support for strategic sectors and how best to facilitate government action in the field of the localization of industries. Among other themes of the forum are the role of government funds and financial institutions in the financing of industrial plants; activation of governmental decisions in support of local industry and the role of specialized institutes in the field of rehabilitation and industrial training.

On the sidelines of the forum, a new company called SolaQuaGen Gulf Ltd. was launched. "It is a SR100 million joint venture," said Jubran Holdings Chairman Said Al-Qahtani and SolaQuaGen CEO Mark Hardiman.

The joint venture brings together one of the leading Saudi business houses with the UK developer of innovative solar thermal based desalination technology.

"This represents an historic opportunity for the Kingdom to position itself at the forefront of sustainable development while adding true economic value to the country," said Al-Qahtani.

"We are excited by the commitment of the government to positive environmental policies and the business opportunities in the Kingdom, and with Jubran Holdings have an outstanding partner to roll out our technology," said Mark Hardiman.