RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jouf province offers a fertile investment landscape, attributed to the abundance of renewable energy and a robust food supply, said the region’s governor.
Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz has confirmed that the region possesses numerous investment opportunities and comparative advantages.
The governor emphasized that Al-Jouf has seen numerous initiatives and endeavors aimed at surmounting challenges for prospective investors seeking to establish a presence through coordinated efforts across various governmental domains.
These undertakings aim to facilitate investment projects aligned with the vision outlined in Saudi Arabia 2030, as the Saudi News Agency reported.
The remarks were made during the governor’s address at the 46th session of the “Jouf Nights” gatherings, which he convenes periodically with the region’s residents. This event was hosted at his palace in Sakaka and focused on the theme “Trade and Investment in Balance.”
The official emphasized that Al-Jouf region is actively fostering innovative investments through unique and pioneering projects. He highlighted that these endeavors will create future employment prospects for both male and female youth in the region and the nation at large.
Prince Faisal added that entrepreneurial projects are receiving full support from the region’s governing body, given their positive economic and social impact on the region’s future.
He further added that Al-Jouf possesses all the necessary components, serving as “the Kingdom’s food basket” and “the capital of renewable energy.” “Its exceptional attributes make it a unique tourist destination for visitors from both within and outside the kingdom.”
The governor reiterated the region’s significance in the broader government agenda, affirming that, in line with all other regions, it enjoys substantial care and attention from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He noted that the comprehensive support extends to various sectors, including development, services, investment facilitation, and tourism promotion, showcasing a well-rounded progress strategy for the region.
At the gathering, the governor received detailed briefings on the participating pavilions, featuring a variety of investment ideas and experiences presented by specialized entities in trade, architecture, and design, as well as, urban planning, and related fields.
Hasan Moejeb Al-Huwaizy, the chairman of the board of directors of the Council of Saudi Chambers, conveyed appreciation to the governor for his active involvement with citizens during meetings.
He stressed that such engagement not only serves the interests of investors but also highlights the significance of the region.
Before the meeting concluded, the governor attentively listened to various development ideas and proposals from different participants. He instructed the evaluation of the discussed points and mandated a thorough examination to assess their feasibility as initiatives to be implemented through the Vision Realization Office within the governing department.
Al-Jouf Chamber of Commerce launches ‘Is’ham’ program to boost regional investments
Entrepreneurs in Al-Jouf province are poised to receive additional support, with the region’s chamber of commerce launching initiatives under the ‘Is’ham 2024’ program.
The scheme, named ‘Contribution’ in English, aims to boost investment, support entrepreneurship, and recognize outstanding economic establishments through initiatives targeting the business sector and investors.
Hamdan bin Abdullah Al-Semreen, chairman of the Al-Jouf Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that these initiatives mark a continuation of the achievements made by his chamber during 2023, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
He explained that the chamber organized 40 workshops, focusing on the region’s economic comparative advantage. They also signed eight agreements to support the business sector and facilitated funding for startup projects. He mentioned achieving a 100 percent rating in business sector awareness and guidance and a 97 percent rating in financial sustainability, based on the country’s Chambers of Commerce performance evaluation.
Furthermore, the chairman added that the chamber organized and participated in 11 exhibitions, forums, and conferences, including the Renewable Energy Exhibition, the Al-Jouf Date Festival, and the Al-Jouf Entrepreneurship Forum.