RIYADH: About 2,000 women are expected to attend the First National Forum for Business Women, which starts Monday in Riyadh. The event is patronized by Princess Sitah Bint Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and co-organized by the Council of Saudi Chambers and A'aali Group. The two-day event, which will have 27 speakers will provide opportunities for women at all professional levels to network, create business contacts and develop leadership skills in a supportive, motivational environment, organizers said. The Council's Secretary General, Dr. Fahd Al-Sultan, stressed the importance of the forum and said one of its main goals is to attract businesswomen to make domestic investments. The conference will also focus on expanding women's participation in economic development and increasing areas of investment available for them throughout the country, he added. He said Saudi women do not fear making investments. Women are responsible for 20 percent of the contracting sector, he added. Investment by women is one of the national economy's most significant channels, said Al-Sultan, who expects the forum to boost the progress of women in domestic business because significant issues will be discussed.
