The Saudi-US Chief Executive Officers (CEO) Forum under the slogan of ‘Partnership for Generations kicked off here today at Four Seasons Hotel in presence of a number of ministers and officials of the two countries. More than 50 US companies, over 40 Saudi companies and 9 companies from key international markets attended the forum. In his speech, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Engineer Khalid Al-Falih dealt with the friendship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America which extends for eight decades. The friendship between the two countries contributes to achieving prosperity for the international community in general, and the two countries in particular. Engineer Al-Falih disclosed that the relationship in the fields of trade and investment between the Kingdom and the United States is a part of the close friendship between the two countries, pointing out that there are many great opportunities to move the relationship between the two countries to higher levels. Our slogan in this forum is partnerships for future generations, not only the historical relationship between the two countries, but also a transitional phase and a major impact on generations in both countries, Al-Falih said. He added that the forum, at the end of its work, will witness many investment opportunities and initiatives that will contribute to strengthening partnerships between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States. The forum s sessions were followed by a panel discussion on prospects for partnership between the two countries, moderated by Bloomberg TV presenter Francine Lacois in presence of a number of officials. For her part, Lubna Olayan, CEO and Deputy Chairman of Olayan Financing Company, delivered a speech in which she highlighted historic relations binding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America. She stressed that the successful partnership between the two countries based on trust, respect and open dialogue, stressing that the main aim of this forum is to enhance relations between the Kingdom and the United States. Olayan added that the forum will discuss the National Transformation Program 2020 and priorities of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Then, a discussion panel titled "Partnership in 21st Century" kicked off in presence of Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment; Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources; Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance, and Yasser Al-Rumaian, General Supervisor of the Public Investment Fund. For his part, Dr. Al-Qasabi stressed that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 represents a qualitative shift in the history of the Kingdom, adding that we seek to facilitate all measures and revise relevant legislations regarding motivating environment for investment. He added that the great challenge facing the Kingdom's Vision 2030 is the human resources. Engineer Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, talked about energy and industries, pointing out that the Kingdom made important steps regarding generating power and oil. He confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has many natural resources. For his part, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance, said that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 came in response to a number of challenges facing the Kingdom. "The private sector is one of the important factors in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to contribute to the domestic product," Al-Jadaan added. He stressed the Kingdom seeks to remove obstacles facing the private sector, review conditions of granting loans, transfer technical expertise, and provide technical support through several initiatives. Then, a discussion panel titled "Youth in the Field of Commercial Works" was held where participants discussed importance of employment and development of the Saudi youth. At conclusion of the Saudi-US CEO Forum, Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment, highlighted the historic relations binding the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America and their importance in all fields. "The United States has been on our side since the birth of the nation. To us, the US is a global standard setter. We look forward that the forum is to continue as institutional work between the two countries," he said. Then, memorial photos were taken.
