JEF 2007 adopts six segments concept to promote forum's theme of economic reform

With the objective of encouraging and assisting governments, businesses and community leaders to harness the power of economic reform, each programme segment will take a look at an aspect of economic reform from local, regional and global perspectives.

'This new methodology will give JEF 2007 a sharper focus,' said Chairman Sami Fouad Bahrawi. 'Economic Reform is a complex area of discussion and by dividing the subject into six sub-themes, we are able to define various aspects with more clarity and arrive at more incisive conclusions.'

The six sub-themes are: 'Strategies for Economic Reform - Universalism vs. Particularism' ; 'The Legal Structure must keep up' ; 'Flexicurity in Reform: A Balanced Social Agenda' ; 'People are at the Centre: Social Responsibility & Citizenship Initiative' ; 'The Role of Saudi Arabia in Changing the Global Energy Paradigm' ; 'Privatisation: The Indispensable Tool'.

'Economic' reform is not merely an economic phenomenon. It embodies Social implications as well. The 2007 Programme will therefore address the need for a balanced Social Agenda and will introduce the concept of 'Flexicurity' as a cornerstone in sustainable economic reform and development.

JEF 2007 will study Privatisation as a tool to raise the efficiency of the economic system and increase its competitive posture in an interrelated world. And the role of the Individual, being the object of all reforms, will also be specifically emphasised.

Bahrawi added that the 2007 Forum will bring to light the latest trends in business and world economy. It brings top level National and International Visitors and Speakers together in constructive dialog with local business men and women to highlight 'best practices' from around the globe on current issues facing the region.

Held under the patronage of HRH Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Makkah Region, and organized by the Jeddah Marketing Board, a department of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the eighth Jeddah Economic Forum will take place at the Jeddah Hilton from February 24- 27, 2007. It is expected to attract more than 2000 delegates from around the world and the names of Speakers will be announced shortly.