متابعات ( خبر ) :

RIYADH: The ongoing economic development projects in the Kingdom during a period of global financial crisis speak of the vibrant economy of the country, observed Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Naif while opening the Fourth Riyadh Economic Forum on Sunday night.

The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering including more than 3,000 delegates.

Prince Naif, who spoke on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, said the wise guidance of the monarch has enabled the Kingdom to forge ahead despite the global economic downturn.

The holding of the forum shows the king’s commitment to support the private sector in the nation’s development, Naif said and added that reforms are being carried out in all sectors to step up economic growth, increase per capita income and develop infrastructure and human resources.

He said the economic forum is being held at a crucial time when policy planners and decision makers need enlightenment on various projects that are being undertaken by the Kingdom.

“I hope this forum will become a platform for economists, entrepreneurs and educationists to exchange their experience in the country’s economic development,” Naif said.

The prince told the participants that the recommendations of the forum would be taken into consideration for future planning. He thanked Deputy Premier Crown Prince Sultan who had contributed immensely to the Kingdom’s forward march. He also thanked Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman for hosting the conference.

Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Kingdom is considered one of the biggest economies of the world. “We have many challenges in our forward march toward economic development. Proper planning and active participation of private and public sectors will help reach our goals,” he said.

Saad Al-Moajil, chairman of the board of trustees of the forum, said the forum provides a practical opportunity to plan out the Kingdom’s economic strategies.

The three-day event is sponsored by the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce with an array of local sponsors such as Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), National Commercial Bank (NCB), Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG), Saudi Aramco, Al-Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank.

Beginning Monday, the forum is expected to dwell on five important issues submitted by a group of intellectuals following a two-year comprehensive study on the economic development of the Kingdom.

The forum on sustainable economic development will concentrate on five issues, including water and food security, sustainable development and investment in human capital