Lord Mayor of London Alderman Robert Finch affirmed that Saudi-British ties are built on mutual friendship and respect, and are supported by extensive trade and investment links.
In a press statement published today, the Lord Mayor who will head a delegation of businessmen on a four-day visit to the Kingdom, said: “Saudi Arabia is our largest trading and investment partner in the Middle East. I look forward to discussing many aspects of Saudi-British business relations, and means of strengthening them further.”
During his visit to Jeddah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, the Lord Mayor and his delegation will hold talks with senior Saudi officials. They will also attend a round-table discussion on financial services at the National Commercial Bank’s headquarters in Jeddah. On Tuesday, he will meet with Saudi businessmen at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the following day he will attend a luncheon at the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to the British Embassy, there are approximately 150 Saudi-British joint ventures. British exports to the Kingdom increased by 32% last year and reached a value of SR13 billion, while its imports from Saudi Arabia stood at SR5.45 billion. Britain accounts for half of the Kingdom's exports of non-oil goods to the EU. Over 100,000 Saudis visit the UK each year, many for education and training.
Source: SPA
