Knowledge Sharing and Expert Analysis Hallmarks of GCF Says SAGIA Deputy Governor

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, January 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Saudi and international experts will be sharing their insight of global business trends at the seventh Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF), being held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, January 18-20.

The forum's focus this year is on 'Building Competitive Partnerships' that create strategic alliances and enable positive economic growth. The agenda will include diverse topics ranging from entrepreneurship to education, renewable energy to tourism, and well-being to the role of women in stimulating economic growth.

Faisal S Bafarat, Deputy Governor of Investment Development and Attraction at SAGIA, said: "GCF 2014 is focused on economic prospects in the Kingdom, and will include discussion of how we continue progress in developing a world class infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce. We will also be using the Forum to make some important announcements about investments and partnerships.

"The speakers and panellists comprise some of the best business, political and academic minds, working in their fields. It is the participation of these Saudi and international experts that makes the GCF such an important event in the business calendar."

The opening ceremony will be held on the evening of January 18, before a full program of presentations and workshops begin in earnest on the next morning.

The first working day begins with a keynote speech by Al-Othman highlighting the Kingdom's new approach to investments. The day will examine the common themes that affect competitiveness throughout the economy, and the enablers of growth, such as innovation and employability.

The day will also include a workshop facilitated by the Global Federation on Competitiveness Councils offering a dynamic look at how economies evolve, and a workshop led by the US-Saudi Arabia Business Council examining the 'key to successful partnerships'.

Day two will provide the opportunity for a deeper dive into specific industry sectors, such as travel and tourism, health and well-being and the digital economy. It will also include a Google workshop designed to enable small and medium businesses to thrive in today's Internet economy, and a session discussing how to build a new culture of 'made in Saudi'.

For the first time, this year the GCF will also include the 'Invest in Saudi' exhibition which will showcase investment opportunities in the Kingdom, as well as offering an ideal networking and business matchmaking opportunity to participants.

For more information, go to: http://www.gcf.org.sa

Media enquiries:  Nick Cash: gcfe@alefinternational.com, +966(0)114623632.