Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The annual Jeddah International Trade Fair (JITF) was inaugurated Saturday at the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Centre by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary-General Adnan Mandoura.



The JITF, with its mutisectoral profile of exhibits, is offering a premium platform for businessmen, traders and entrepreneurs to sign joint ventures, dealerships and import and export opportunities with the large number of international companies present at the show. More than 200 renowned exhibitors from China, Egypt, Indonesia and India are showcasing their latest exclusive and traditional products.



“JITF provides a platform for businesses to interact with each other and provides the opportunity for traders to interact with their foreign counterparts. The JITF showcases the growing interest in Saudi Arabia as an investment destination,” said the Secretary-General in his address during the inaugural event.



Mandoura, accompanied by senior officials from ACE, said: “JITF is a trade fair that gives foreign and local companies an opportunity to explore the Saudi Arabian market and encourages business in Saudi Arabia. We are pleased to endorse an initiative of this kind as it will benefit our country and support our economic growth.”



Historically, this multisectoral event is a platform for various national country pavilions displaying the industrial potential to the Saudi market enjoying the support of a large number of foreign trade missions based in Saudi Arabia who work closely with their counterpart international trade associations, export promotion bureaus and relevant government bodies.



The show caters to the specific needs of the Saudi market addressing the increasing demands of the local manufacturers leading to multi-million deals.



Meanwhile, Zahoor Siddique, Vice President of ACE, said  “over the years JITF has facilitated the finalization of many a key business deal, aided the formation of new partnerships and served as the launch pad for innovative products and services. Going forward, we will continuously grow the show in tandem with regional market needs, while supporting the development of the industries and aiding our small and medium partners to grow their business.”



The fair displays comprise a wide range of products and services including building materials, appliances, interior design, furnishings, fabrics and clothing, safety and security equipment, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, catering and hotel supplies, home electrical appliances accessories, electronic appliances, leather industry, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics and handicrafts.



The JITF 2014 is held under the patronage of the JCCI and opens its doors to the public until Tuesday at the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Centre from 5-10 p.m.