JEDDAH: The Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) is an international event that is placing Jeddah on the world economic map and helping to enhance the participation of businesswomen in the world of finance, according to a number of businessmen. They said the forum, organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), under the patronage of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah, is taking place for the eleventh time amidst major global economic changes. They said the forum is especially important because it will be addressed by some of the leading local, regional and international economic figures and decision makers. Jeddah's economic position Zuhair Al-Marhoumi, a member of the JCCI Board of Directors, said there will be a unique opportunity for Saudi women to play an active role in the forum so their voices can be heard across the world. It is also a good opportunity for them to address the problems impeding the progress of Saudi businesswomen. He said the forum has succeeded in placing Jeddah on the map of international forums and consolidated its status as a business hub of the Kingdom and its trade capital. Apart from this, Jeddah serves as an economic, commercial and financial center in the Middle East. Ahmad Al-Merbai, another JCCI board member, said the forum is an important platform for the discussion of global economic problems. He echoed the view that it has highlighted the role of the Kingdom as a major player on the world economic scene. He said the forum is focusing on ways to invest the state's huge revenue into initiatives such as mega projects and training, to ensure sustainable development.
