The U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC) will be leading a delegation to the 7th annual Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January 18-20. The delegation will consist of U.S. companies active in all industry sectors, economic development agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities; new entrants to the Saudi market; and prospective investors interested in expanding their business in the region.
Founded in 2006 by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the GCF is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The GCF is an annual meeting of heads of state and senior government officials, global business leaders, CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, presidents of world-renowned universities and non-profit organizations, and journalists to discuss the positive impact that the organizational and national competitiveness can have on local, regional, and global economic and social development. The GCF is attended by approximately 2,500 business people. The 2014 Forum will discuss best practices in building successful business partnerships to take advantage of opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Program themes will include public-private partnerships, local content and manpower, technology transfer and R&D, healthcare, education and higher education, entrepreneurship, alternative sources of energy, and travel and tourism.
The Forum will feature high level Saudi speakers including H.E. Dr. Tawfig Alrabiah, Minister, Ministry of Commerce and Industry; H.R.H. Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Chairman, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities; H.H. Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah, Minister, Ministry of Education; H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser, Minister, Ministry of Economy & Planning; H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, Minister, Ministry of Health; and Eng. Mohamed Al-Mady, Vice Chairman & CEO, SABIC. Confirmed U.S. speakers include Mr. Andrew Liveris, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Dow Chemical Company; Mr. Peter Robertson, Former Vice-Chairman, Chevron, Co-Chairman, U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council; Mr. Hans-Paul Bürkner, Chairman, The Boston Consulting Group; and Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Vice President, Middle East & Africa, Oracle Corporation.
Companies participating in the USSABC delegation will receive a number of deliverables and services. The USSABC will assist companies already operating in Saudi Arabia to expand their business networks, help new companies understand the Saudi market, provide advice on Saudi investment opportunities, and host the GCF USSABC Workshop “Key to Building Successful Partnerships”. The USSABC also provides delegation members with visa facilitation, discounted airfare, onsite assistance in targeting relevant Saudi participants, and access to the Partner’s Lounge for one-on-one appointments.
About the USSABC
The U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC) was established in December 1993 to improve the mutual knowledge and understanding between the private sectors of the U.S and Saudi Arabia and to promote and facilitate increased trade and investment between the two countries. The USSABC has built a membership base of approximately 350 leading companies in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia and serves as the central source of information and assistance for companies that want to pursue specific business activities in Saudi Arabia. The USSABC organizes conferences and seminars in both countries to promote dialogue between the two private sectors, as well as trade and investment missions that provide networking opportunities for U.S. and Saudi companies. For more information on the Business Council, please visit www.us-sabc.org
Contact:
Ana Carmen Neboisa
Senior Business Strategy Advisor, Business Advisory Services
U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council
Phone: 703-962-9268
E-mail: anacarmen@us-sabc.org
