On April 29, 2025, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council spoke to a group of young and mid-level Saudi entrepreneurs from a diverse set of backgrounds and professions about the Business Council’s mission and methods for fostering U.S.-Saudi commercial partnerships. The group’s overall visit, as well as their program with the Council held in Arlington, VA, was organized by the Mississippi Consortium for International Development (MCID Washington) as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The visiting group included representatives from a number of Saudi companies covering a cross-section of important sectors of the Saudi economy, including Council member companies Aramco, NEOM, and KPMG.
The Business Council’s speakers were Jamil Alothman, VP of Industrial Development, and Albara’a Alwazir, Director of Economic Research. Mr. Alothman and Mr. Alwazir had a lively, engaged discussion with the group on topics ranging from the Business Council’s experience in connecting U.S. and Saudi companies at networking events and major trade show, to their personal experiences interacting with members of the business communities of each country. They also discussed how the Council’s business advisory work supports innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and inclusive economic development in both countries. The events and missions the Council organizes were another important topic of discussion, as well as how those programs provide platforms for idea exchange, investment promotion, strategic collaboration, and long-lasting interpersonal connections.
The IVLP is a professional exchange program that builds long-term relationships between Americans and international leaders in government, business, academia, and other fields through short-term professional exchanges. Participants are nominated and selected annually by the staff at local U.S. Embassies.
For more than 30 years since its founding, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council has been the only independent organization singularly dedicated to advancing the bilateral trade, investment, and commercial ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia. To join the Council as a member or to learn more, contact us today.
