Experts in various fields will address the 10th Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) rather than well-known public figures who spoke at previous editions of the forum, said Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Sagar, the JEF director, at a press conference held in the Jeddah Chamber for Commerce and Industry, Monday. Bin Sagar said that this year's forum, which takes place in two weeks, is well organized with all the sponsors announced on the forum website committed to their sponsorship. “We have official permission to hold the event at the appointed time,” said Bin Sagar, “and we are receiving full support of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah. In fact he has even changed his vacation plan so that he can attend the forum. The Minister of Trade has been calling me in person to check on the latest forum updates.” Bin Sagar said that over 1,200 have registered to attend the forum of which at least 370 are women. He pointed out that 15 percent of participants are academics which is, according to him, a large number that will add more value to the recommendations of the forum. “There will be live coverage of all sessions through the forum website,” Bin Sagar said. The forum will discuss nine basic issues: international economy, commercial bonds, banks, energy, trade, food security, technology sciences, education and health. Bin Sagar explained that the last three issues are important because without them, no economic development can be achieved. Noticing that some of the speakers and the subjects to be covered by the JEF are the same as those dealt with by the Jeddah Commercial Forum, the media wondered what more will be added by the Jeddah Economic Forum. Bin Sagar said that the speakers at the Jeddah Commercial Forum discussed current issues, but JEF will focus on future economic trends. He also pointed out that of the 35 projected JEF speakers only four spoke at the Jeddah Commercial Forum.
