Italian women's delegation begin Saudi visit with talks at SAGIA

In a brief address after welcoming the delegates, Al-Dabbagh described important aspects of the Kingdom's business laws. He said Saudi Arabia was preparing for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), which will bring the country's business and trading environment further in line with international standards. The SAGIA Governor also described the Kingdom's competitive advantages of natural resources and geographical location.

Italian Ambassador Dr. Armando Sanguini noted that the delegation represented the Italian business community, particularly a region thriving with small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He hoped that SAGIA could facilitate more contacts between Italian and Saudi business communities.

The delegation represented a cross-section of businesses education, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, tourism, publishing, architecture and interior design. Introducing themselves, the delegates said they were eager to learn more about opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Dabbagh noted the importance of bilateral business relations in these sectors for the Kingdom, especially in education and training, telecommunications, building materials, pharmaceuticals and tourism. Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing population makes education and training extremely important. The Saudi telecom sector has been deregulated and the country had recently awarded the second mobile operation license to a regional company after tough competition. The Saudi tourism sector is set for major growth, he noted.

The members of the Italian delegation are: Marialina Marcucci (Managing Director, Ultima Communication and Business Research), Paola Pardini Marcucci (Marketing Manager, Telecommunication Company), Randa Eid, Publisher (General Secretary of the Arab Italian Womens Association), Chiara Boni (Public Administration), Christina Matarazzo (Interior Design), Rita Lunatici (Campus Studies of the Mediterranean), Daniela Salmini (Ministry of Public Education), Simonetta Vecoli (Managing Director, Hight Tech Alluminium S.P.A.) and Consuelo De Giovanni (Multimedia).

The delegation visited the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry later, and had lunch with Saudi businesswomen.