Despite improved security measures in the Kingdom, citizens and corporate organizations continue to import security products and technology to protect themselves against unlawful elements. Abdulwahab Al-Ansari, assistant secretary general of the Asharqia Chamber in the Eastern Province said the Kingdom remains one of the top importers of security technologies. “We have now become major importers of safety and security technology and materials due to a heightened awareness of security issues which lead the Saudi government and private sector entities to constantly reevaluate and upgrade their security measures at all levels.” He said the annual imports of security technology in the Kingdom has risen annually by 35 percent, reaching total value of SR 1.3 billion. Ansari made this observation during the visit of British companies belonging to the British Security Industrial Association (BSIA), which was marketing to the Kingdom a wide range of security technology and products. The head of the association, Peter Nicholls, said that BSIA is a professional trade organization representing over 570 companies with extensive experience in the security industry. Nicholls said the UK's exports of security products have reached close to $1 billion. He said British companies are willing to expand their businesses in Saudi Arabia to meet the increasing demand for security products. Ansari urged the British security companies to consider the possibility of manufacturing their products locally in collaboration with Saudi partners. He said the liberalized foreign investment regulations provide package of new incentives to the overseas investors, like the British security companies. __
