RIYADH — Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will open the two-day 13th Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference today (May 2), bringing together hundreds of international banking leaders and senior government officials.

This year’s event will focus on the significant reforms and economic initiatives that are transforming the economy of the Kingdom and the wider region. Experts will provide updates on the restructuring of the Public Investment Fund, the planned IPO program and programs to decrease youth unemployment and increase women’s participation in the workforce.

“International interest in Saudi Arabia’s business climate is at an all-time high due to the momentous economic and social changes that are currently sweeping the nation. In addition to major development projects playing an important role, such as the recent inauguration of an entertainment city in Al-Qidiya by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, there are also key steps being taken towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030”, said Victoria Behn, Euromoney Conference’s Director of Middle East and Africa.

“This year's Euromoney Conference is taking place two years after the announcement of major economic reforms, and in parallel with the energy market stabilization. The International Monetary Fund has projected real GDP growth of 1.7 percent this year, with many analysts expressing confidence this will accelerate as the full impact of the reforms is felt,” she added.

Mohammed Kharboush, Director, KSA, UAE and Kuwait, Euromoney Conferences, said: “This year has been a pivotal one for Saudi Arabia, as the scale and potential impact of the Kingdom’s proposed reforms has become clear. In almost every economic area, Saudi Arabia is driving through important initiatives that will have significant implications for the regional and even world economy. We’re very proud to have brought together an extensive agenda featuring experts and senior leaders to discuss these reforms and outline the challenges and opportunities ahead”.

The conference is expected to be attended by 1,600 guest, which makes it the most important economic event of its kind in the Kingdom.

International perspectives will be provided with on-stage interviews with senior executives from Citigroup, HSBC, Nikko Asset Management, and BNP Paribas.

The first day will also feature a major panel discussion on the Saudi and global economy, which will provide an update on the Saudi 2030 Vision and also look at how tensions within the region are stimulating new relationships further afield. — SG