Over 1,000 business leaders and key influencers to take part in the 2004 Jeddah Economic Forum

This year's forum was expanded to include 60 speakers and panelists representing more than 12 countries. The annual forum which was first organized in 1999 has become the region's strategic think tank focusing on local, regional, and international economic and social issues.

'In addition to attracting some of the most influential global leaders, we have a powerful agenda that will cover burning issues in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and worldwide,' said Dabbagh. 'These topics will be addressed over a three-day program that includes entrepreneurship, business growth and job creation in the context of globalisation and political and economic realignments in our region and across the world. The forum will also highlight the achievements of countries that have pursued strategies for rapid economic development.'

For the first time ever, the keynote speech will be delivered by one of the Kingdom's leading businesswomen, Ms. Lubna Olayan, Chief Executive Officer of Olayan Financing Company, who will deliver 'A Saudi Vision for Growth.'

Adel Fakieh, Chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted the role of women in this year's Jeddah Economic Forum noting that the 5th Jeddah Economic Forum promises to surpass all previous years. 'This event has attracted some of the most influential speakers of our age from around the world,' he said, 'and has made Jeddah the heart of economic deliberation and debate in the Middle East. The scope and quality the forum is greatly enhanced by the contribution of many distinguished women whose knowledge and experience add an important dimension to the agenda.'

In addition to the opening address by Ms. Lubna Olayan, other women participants include HM Queen Rania of Jordan, who will deliver a keynote speech, HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Professor Laura Tyson, Dean of the London Business School, which is the chosen Academic Partner for this years forum, Dr. Haifa Jamal Al Lail, Dean of Effat College, Dr. Thurayya Arrayed, Planning Advisor to Saudi Aramco, and Dr. Selwa Alhazza, Head of Ophthalmology at King Faisal Specialist Hospital.

The 5th Annual Jeddah Economic Forum will be held over a three day period with the first day focusing on key economic and social issues facing Saudi Arabia.

The second day highlights the regional agenda by showcasing experiences of economies in Asia and the Middle East, such as Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Turkey the UAE that have pursued aggressive strategies for economic development. Speakers include HM Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, HE Mr. Rafik Hariri, Prime Minister of Lebanon, HE Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, HE Mr. Mahathir Mohammed, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, and HE Dr. Kassymzhomart Tokayev, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan.

Iraq will be represented by H.E. Mr. Samir Shakir Mahmood, Iraq Ruling Council Member, H.E. Dr. Abdul Amir Raheem Al Aboud, Minister of Agriculture, and economist Professor Athir Y.H. Hadad, in a session moderated by Kamel Lazaar, President & Managing Director of Swicorp, Switzerland.

Dubai's experience will be covered by a session entitled 'Sand to Silicon' with Mr. Mohamed Al Abbar, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy, and Mr. Saeb Aigner, CEO of Lonworld, and a Governor of London Business School in a discussion moderated by Dr. Jeffrey Sampler, Associate Professor at London Business School.

The third and final day focuses on the global agenda. Examination of the theme of accelerated growth through the lens of globalisation and
international economic integration will highlight successful models from the United States, Mexico, and Sweden. The keynote speech will be given by the Honorable William Jefferson Clinton, former President of the USA, who
returns as a second-time participant to address the Jeddah Economic Forum. on the subject 'A Global Outlook for 2004 and Beyond' in a session
moderated by HRH Prince Faisal bin Salman, Chairman of Saudi Research & Publishing Company. Other speakers on the final day include the Honorable Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico, whose theme is 'From Zero to Hero' at a session moderated by Majed Al Kassabi, Director General of Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, and HE Mr. Gunnar Lund, Sweden's Minister for International Economic Affairs & Financial Markets.

Film actors John Cusack and Chevy Chase, and Michael Golden, publisher of the International Herald Tribune form a panel for 'The Media &
Entertainment Agenda' moderated by Ms. Judith Kipper, Director of the Council on Foreign Relations.

'Oil & Global Economic Stability' will be covered by a panel consisting of Dr. Mohammed Al Sabban, Advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Petroleum, Dr. Ray Irani, Chairman & CEO of Occidental Petroleum, and Mr. Peter Robinson, Vice Chairman of the Board of Chevron Texaco Corporation. Professor Michael Hay, Deputy Dean of London Business School will be the moderator of a session on 'Entrepreneurship; the Driving Force for Job Growth & Job Creation?'

The final keynote speech at Jeddah Economic Forum 2004 will be 'The Future of WTO and Its Role in Global Economic Growth, given by HE Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Director General of the World Trade Organization., followed by a Q & A session moderated by Professor John A. Quelch, Senior Associate Dean at Harvard Business School, with the participation of Dr. Fawaz Al Alamy, Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs, Saudi Ministry of Commerce & Industry.