Al-Hakbani: King Salman's Vision Has Instituted a New Era towards a Diversified Economy... The Exhibition Has Reflects the Quality of Our National Products
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the United Kingdom, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Saudi Exports Development Authority, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Hakbani, opened the Saudi Pavilion at IFE held in London between 22 and 25 March. This is the first and largest commercial participation in the food sector in Europe by national companies in the specialized European international exhibitions. KSA participates as a sponsor "partner country". 45 Saudi companies participated in the exhibition.
The Saudi Exports Development Authority "SAUDI EXPORTS ", has organized the Saudi Pavilion which showcased many national products in the food sector. The goal of this participation is to open potential markets for the exports of national companies and finding a convenient platform to connect with existing customers. This will also include encouraging the national products to open broader prospects to prospective customers, through the promotion of those products in international platforms such as London international food exhibition.
On the other hand, the Secretary General of the Saudi Export Development Authority, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Hakbani emphasized that the diversification of the national economy is a top priority for the Kingdom at this stage. This issue enjoys a great attention in accordance with the future vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
To this end, Al-Hakbani said: The vision launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has laid the foundation for a new era of utilizing the opportunities and harnessing the potentials for a growing economy that boosts diversifying the base of national economy. This is carried out through a variety of strategic options that highlight "exportation" as one of the most important pillars influencing growth and development.
He added, in a speech at the International Food Exhibition in London (IFE), that the Kingdom believes in the ability of the distinguished national industries and high quality. These attributes were the result of natural and human resources possessed by the Kingdom, which qualifies it to compete in the global markets. This is what the "SAUDI EXPORTS" is working for by encouraging the Saudi non-oil exports and development. This will increase the competitiveness and openness in the international markets, thus contributing to the discovery of new profit opportunities that reflect the value and quality of the Saudi product.
Al-Hakbani also emphasized that the "SAUDI EXPORTS" acts as a link between the Saudi exporter and foreign importer. This allows the national industrial companies to market and introduce their products to a number of specialized international exhibitions. "This concern is in line with the level of demand for the Saudi non-oil exports, which amounted to a cumulative growth rate of 19% over the past five years, excluding re-exported goods", he said.
Al-Hakbnai also stressed that the food sector is one of the most prominent and promising industrial sectors, especially after its sales have reached more than 12 billion riyals in 2013, as such gaining a growth of 6% between 2009 and 2013. This included exports of food products. The European markets recorded more than 30 million riyals, against 52% for the United Kingdom for 2013.
Ending his speech, Al-Hakbani said: We look forward to further growth in the existing opportunities in the European markets. At the forefront of these markets is the British market as one of the important and strategic markets. This growth reflects the deep historical bilateral relations between the two countries as well as the presence of Muslim and Arab communities, which make the UK an important and a strong market for the Saudi food products.