ranking official of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has dismissed concerns that international franchise businesses in Saudi Arabia are having a negative impact on Saudi society and argued that such businesses can create jobs for Saudis. Hussain Al-Athel, RCCI's Secretary-General, said international franchises offer lucrative business opportunities for young Saudis who form 75 percent of the population. “Why are we always afraid of someone affecting us? In fact, through our rich culture and traditions, we tend to affect other people. It is expected that in a few decades Islam will be the dominant religion in the world,” he said. Al-Athel was speaking at a press conference in Riyadh regarding the 3rd International Franchising 2010 Exhibition which opens today at the Riyadh International Convention Center. Abdullah Al-Zainal, Minister of Trade and Industry, will open the three-day exhibition. Mohammed Al-Hussaini, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) and Khalaf R. Al-Shammari, Head of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Division at the RCCI, were also present. Saudi Telecom and RCCI are the major sponsors of the event. Al-Athel said one young Saudi entrepreneur who enters the franchising business would create at least 15 to 20 job opportunities for other fellow Saudis. “The nature of our people (Saudis) is that they yearn to be the boss. So, the franchising business is offering an opportunity which will satisfy those who want to be self-employed and become a boss,” said Al-Athel. Saudi Arabia is part of the international community in all aspects of life, he said. Saudis would not want to claim that they are any different from the rest of the world, he said, in reply to a question on the impact of international franchise businesses on Saudi society. Trade is part of Saudi culture and dates back to the advent of Islam in Makkah. “Hence trade forms the basis of the livelihood of all Saudis and Saudi society,” he said. Al-Athel urged young Saudis not to give up even if they face challenges in setting up their franchising business with international companies. “Some young Saudis lose motivation when they are asked to fulfill a series of requirements before being granted a business license,” he said. He said the RCCI will offer help and guidance to young Saudi entrepreneurs. “We are here to help our members to establish businesses that include franchising,” he said. Al-Shammari said about 10 Saudi families who run their manufacturing businesses from their homes will be offered free space to display their products at the exhibition. “The occasion will offer young Saudi entrepreneurs first-hand information on the franchising business and the by-laws and guidelines to open international franchises in the Kingdom,” he said. “The event will support Saudi families that do business from their homes so that they can have exposure to international companies by showcasing their products and services,” Al-Shammari said. He said the exhibition would offer investment opportunities for various industry players. He said franchises have helped the small and medium enterprises (SME) segment in the Kingdom by setting up local companies with international expertise. Saudi youth can benefit from the wide array of opportunities that the event will offer by holding meetings with international franchise providers, he said. “Franchises have already been tried and proved successful in Saudi Arabia,” he said. STC is the diamond sponsor of the event, and they are supporting the event through campaigns that include sending SMSs and emails to the public.
