An organisation that aims to boost trade between the North East and Saudi Arabia has been formed following the takeover of Newcastle United by a Saudi-led consortium.
The Saudi-North East England Trade and Investment Dialogue has been launched by the North East Economic Forum (NEEF), a body that has aimed to promote opportunities in the region’s economy on a national and international level for almost 20 years.
The body - which has been launched with a dinner for the Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bander al Saud, with a number of North East business leaders - aims to bring together public, private and educational bodies with one of the world’s richest countries to explore opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, life sciences, tourism, health, education and skills. It follows the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United, which has been criticised by some because of the country’s record on human rights, but which has proved popular among many fans for turning the club into one of the best teams in England.
Read more: North East automotive body warns on investment risks
Launching the new organisation, former North East Euro MP Alan Donnelly, who is chair of NEEF, said: “Saudi Arabia is building a significant relationship with the North East of England through its investment in Newcastle United, the new direct flights from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Newcastle Airport and Alfanar and Sabic’s investments in Teesside. The North East of England has always had a global footprint through international partnerships in business, education and culture - this deepening relationship with Saudi Arabia is an incredible opportunity for our small and medium business community, our universities and colleges and for our tourism industry.”
Prince Khalid said: “I am honoured to inaugurate the launch of the Saudi-North East England Trade and Investment Dialogue. This dialogue will hopefully create a consistent linkage and facilitate meaningful partnerships between companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this vital region of the UK.”
The launch of the new organisation has also been welcomed by Chris Innes-Hopkins, the UK executive director of the Saudi British Joint Business Council, and Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, a Minister of State at the Foreign Office.
She said: “I welcome the creation of the Saudi-North East of England Trade and Investment Dialogue, as a way of rapidly deepening the partnership and building closer ties between the North East and Saudi Arabia in key sectors of the economy.”
READ NEXT:
