A delegation of officials from the US Department of Commerce met with Saudi business leaders Sunday to talk on visa requirements for investment purposes. The delegation, headed by David Bohigian, the department's assistant secretary for market access and compliance, visited the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and met a group of prominent Saudi investors and businessmen. The two-hour meeting dealt with some thorny issues on bilateral business relationship between the two countries. Abdullah A. Naseer, president if Olfati establishment for environmental services and technology, talked about how difficult it is to obtain a business visa at the American Embassy in Riyadh. “It's of my extreme pleasure to meet with you and share our thoughts and visions over this meeting. First of all, I would like to strongly address my disappointment toward the investment regulations at the States which is still affected by the 9-11 incident… “I can compare the knotty procedures occurring nowadays at the US Embassy with many years ago when I got an A1 visa as a student,” Naseer told Bohigian. “I am still optimistic, however, about enhancing and rebuilding our business relationship with our friendly States and to bring back the good old days.” Naseer said that he wish Washington would soon find a solution to the restrictive business visa process, especially for those who have recently visited some Arab countries like Syria, Iran, Iraq and other countries viewed with suspicion by the US government. “Many Saudis have some business and investments in some Arab countries, including the eight Arab states that are on the American government's list,” a Saudi businessman said. Bohigian expressed happiness about the meeting, saying “I can anticipate a very bright future for our relationship with Saudi Arabia, especially in the economical field…. I will definitely convey your message to the American authorities to find the best solutions to some obstacles, particularly the business visa.” __
