Local and international economists, financial experts, CEOs and academicians will address a three-day forum titled Outlook Saudi Arabia that opens in Riyadh, Saturday. Fahd Al-Sultan, Secretary General, Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI), the keynote speaker on inaugural day, will deliver a lecture on Inflation in Saudi Arabia: Present Opportunities and Future Challenges. Organized under the auspices of the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA) the forum will host a number of panel discussions on topics related to the Saudi economy, banking, investment opportunities and business climate. Brad Bourland, Chief Economist and Managing Director, Proprietary Investment at Jadwa Investment, will be the keynote speaker and present a paper on Saudi Arabia's economy after the global financial crisis. Dr. Saud E. Al-Malaq, Director General – Organizations' Affairs and Regional Trade Agreements, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will speak about maximizing the benefits of investment and trade agreements. Dr. Philippa Malmgren, President, Canonbury Group, UK, will present a paper on the Saudi and world economy – the risk and opportunity from politics, policy and geopolitics. Other speakers include Dr. Khan H. Zahid, Chief Economist, Riyad Capital and Dr. Khalid Al-Tawil, Private Equity Advisor and Advisor to the Assistant Minister for Security Affairs, Ministry of Interior. Leading economists and financial experts will discuss regulatory structures and Saudi financial and investment regulations. Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist, NCB Capital, will attempt to assess the risk profile facing the Saudi economy – differentiating between the short- and the long-term outlook. Khaldoon Tabaza, Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Enterprise Development, will explore the possibilities of developing an effective and competitive SME business in Saudi Arabia.
