UK team scouts for new investments in Saudi Arabia 

(MENAFN - Arab News) A British delegation specializing in human resource development on Saturday met with a group of Saudi businessmen at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and presented investment opportunities in language and training institutes in addition to joint commercial ventures.

The delegation, led by David Lloyd, the first counselor of the British Consul General in Jeddah, held talks with JCCI Secretary-General Mustafa Sabri, his deputy Othman Basaqr, Muhyuddin Hekami, director of information technology, and a number of Saudi businessmen.

The British delegation visited the Sayyidah Khadeejah bint Khuwailed Center, which is considered the first center for businesswomen in the Kingdom, and also met with Basma Al-Omair, executive director of the center.

Al-Omair explained the center's achievements, especially in helping businesswomen overcome obstacles. "Saudi women have made remarkable achievements in education," he said, adding that there are nearly 2.5 million Saudi girls in educational institutions. "Their number exceeds the number of boys."

Sabri highlighted the strong economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Britain. "Saudi-British ties have been growing in all sectors, especially in joint investment projects and trade exchange."

Saudi Arabia is considered the UK's largest trading partner in the Middle East. "Britain is the fifth largest exporter to the Kingdom and Saudi imports from Britain reached SR10.4 billion in 2005 while Saudi exports to Britain amounted to SR6.8 billion," he said. He added that there are about 150 joint ventures between the two countries.

Lloyd commended the important role being played by the JCCI, being the oldest chamber in the Middle East. "Our country has vast experience in the fields of education and training," he said.

Lloyd said the UK would work to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with Saudi Arabia and remove obstacles facing Saudi visitors to Britain.