Asharq Al-Awsat has learned that the Coordinating Council for Women’s Affairs at the Council of Saudi Chambers intends to involve businesswomen in various economic sectors, training and rehabilitation programs, initiatives and appropriate investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
The Businesswomen’s Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh held its periodic meeting on Friday chaired by Abeer al-Houkal.
The discussions tackled several topics, including opportunities to increase the competitiveness of micro-enterprises and ways to raise financial awareness for women and to employ capital in successful investment projects.
According to the information obtained, the Coordinating Council called on all chambers of commerce and industry across the Kingdom to compile data to build an integrated base for Saudi businesswomen.
It aims to use this database in directing invitations to the available programs, initiatives and opportunities that it oversees.
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar al-Khorayef revealed in April that more than 17,000 Saudi women work in industrial cities.
“The oases of MODON provide an attractive environment and incubator for women’s investments, as well as for entrepreneurs and small projects,” he said.
He pointed out that the ministry’s industrial strategy aims to adopt advanced industrial techniques and reduce dependence on low-skilled labor.
“The future jobs will be based on creative thought derived from the society’s cultural awareness.”
The Minister said that the industry and mineral resources system seeks to develop the national industry and achieve the optimal investment of mineral resources, which contributes to the access of Saudi products to global markets, in addition to meeting the requirements of local markets.
He affirmed that investment in the industrial sector has become so easy due to the clarity of procedures and the available legislation and incentives.
Ajlan al-Ajlan, chairman of the board of directors of the chamber, said that the Saudi businesswomen are keeping pace with developments in the economy and the investment environment and have achieved great successes at all levels.
“All fields are open to them and there are equal opportunities for investors, whether they are women or businessmen,” Ajlan noted.
