RIYADH – The Kingdom's leadership of Saudi Green Building Forum (SGB Forum), an initiative under the auspices of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, is all set to join hands with US-Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC), a non profit organization lending a strong platform for alliance among the top business leaders of Washington DC and Riyadh. The association of the two body members will be revolutionary, as it will open new doors of business in Green Building products and services between US and KSA. SGB Forum and USSABC will come together in effect right after signing the "Official Support Agreement" protocol at the Kingdom Ball Room, Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh on Oct. 13-15, 2012. The aim of this alliance is to foster the bilateral business associations by initiating and improving trade and investment by boosting a better understanding level among US and Saudi companies specialized in energy, water and building material. The alliance will also upturn the business opportunities between both the countries by leveraging a two-way flow of know-how and technology in the field of green building. SGB Forum aims to promote an all-inclusive set of standards and systems for green buildings in the Kingdom and increase cultural awareness of Green Building and sustainability initiatives by concentrating on 3Ps of business sustainability which are People, Planet and Profit. Edward Burton, President and Managing Director of USSABC, said "USSABC will continue to act as a key player in enhancing the US-Saudi business bilateral agreement relations. Moreover, we look forward to the participation this year and having strong partners by their respective sides, I am certain that this Green Building industry will become a pioneer for innumerable international business ventures for all." Faisal Alfadl, Secretary General of SGB Forum, said "this protocol is very important for both the countries socio-economic environment as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has vast market and is open to business opportunities coming from US. In fact, KSA boasts of having one of the fastest emerging markets for construction in the Middle East region which itself promises a plethora of business prospects for private sector and global companies. Saudi government, with multibillion dollar expenditure, has plans to focus on sustainability and green building development in the region as it recognizes the significance and reliance on non-renewable energy resources. This is a clear indication and invitation for companies that can offer innovative green design concepts, energy efficient technologies, competent management systems and ground-breaking architectural and engineering consultancy." Alfadl was recently received by USSABC's officials at the US headoffice, added that "I am highly pleased and overwhelmed by the way USSABC operates and we had a long, meticulous and fruitful discussion on the way forward. We are geared up to sign the protocol and have phenomenal entrepreneurial plans." – SG
