Riyad Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi and Saudi Hollandi Bank, three of the Middle East's leading banks, have been announced as Platinum Sponsors of the 3rd Annual Saudi Trade Finance Summit 2015 – the largest and most influential gathering of trade finance decision makers and senior financial professionals in the kingdom. The event will be held on Nov.10-11 at the Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh. Mohammed Abo Al-Naja, Executive Vice President, Corporate Banking Services at Riyad Bank, said: “We wish to create more awareness among the Saudi business community on the latest developments in trade finance and how banks can help them in their business. We will be offering various trade finance solutions and also discuss with CEOs/CFOs their expectations and business requirements from banks such as us.” Frank Hamer, General Manager, Transaction Banking Group at Saudi Hollandi Bank, added: “This is a good opportunity to meet and address the right people from organizations related to the trade finance business within Saudi Arabia and other countries in the GCC. It will also give us the chance to showcase our ability in catering to the future demands of our customers in terms of modern technology, versatile products and market expertise. We consider it our prime responsibility to promote the kingdom among our trading partners to further enhance its economic development and fulfill its aspiration to be one of the world's trade hubs.” Sidh N C, Director Operations at QnA International, has emphasized the significance of trade finance instruments in boosting the Saudi Arabian economy. “Traditional trade financing has seen exponential growth in recent years and this event reflects that upbeat enthusiasm about the sector. The 3rd Annual Saudi Trade Finance Summit 2015 will provide an excellent platform for organizations to capture new business opportunities, discuss possible solutions to their various concerns and promote profitability and cost-effectiveness by adopting better technologies and processes in their operations,” he said. The third installment is riding on the success of the past summits, making the annual event the most sought-after gathering of corporate and financial institutions in one venue. What sets it apart is its exclusivity, giving invited guests unique access to a wealth of information and top-level insights that only an event of this caliber could provide. “All in all we consider this as the most prestigious annual event in Saudi Arabia, which brings together the main stakeholders involved in revolutionizing the trade finance industry, government and regulatory authorities, financial institutions, insurance providers, export credit agencies, risk assessment firms, technology providers, legal consultants, as well as company directors, CEOs, heads of finance, treasurers and the small and medium business owners in the kingdom,” Hamer added. — SG
