General Motors to be lead sponsor for 2005 Jeddah Economic Forum

This marks the first time in the Forum's history that an international company has been the event's lead sponsor.

The theme for this year's forum, which takes place at the Jeddah Hilton on February 19th-21st, is 'Capacity Building: Developing People For Sustainable Growth.' The forum will host an impressive gathering of international political and business leaders discussing major issues affecting Saudi Arabia, the region and the world.

At the signing ceremony this week, Terry Johnsson, Managing Director Middle East for General Motors said, "Saudi Arabia is a very important market for General Motors so the opportunity to partner with the Jeddah Marketing Board and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a fantastic opportunity for us. The event has grown in international stature over the last five years and I am sure that this year will see yet another world class event."

Our brands, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Opel, Hummer and Saab, have been an integral part of the Saudi automotive markets for years and it is time that we forge that through the sponsorship of such a relevant and important forum," he added.

"Developing talent is a challenge for every organization operating in the region, whether a local company or a large multi-national so this year's theme carries tremendous significance for the whole Gulf region," added Johnsson. "General Motors has some very exciting plans for the training and development of Gulf Nationals and these plans will focus heavily on the Saudi market."

"The agreement between General Motors and the Jeddah Marketing Board marks the first time an international company has been the Forum's lead sponsor and together with the world-class panel of speakers confirmed for this year's Forum we take this as a measure of the event's success on an international stage," commented Emad Mugharbel, CEO & Managing Director of the Jeddah Marketing Board.

Established in May 2000 by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Jeddah Marketing Board (JMB) is the events and marketing arm for the chamber and is responsible for the creation and organization of the Jeddah Economic Forum, now firmly established as the regions most prestigious business gathering.