New Zealand business leaders in Riyadh talks

Business opportunities available under Saudi Vision 2030 were outlined at a meeting held between the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) and a visiting trade delegation headed by New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay, in Riyadh.
Aside from further boosting the bilateral trade relations, the meeting, attended by CSC Secretary General Omar Omar Bahalioh, discussed New Zealand’s possible role in exploring the opportunities available in the diversification plan of the Saudi economy under Vision 2030. Members of the visiting delegation evinced keen interest in the vision program.
Stressing the importance of the bilateral trade ties, Saleh Al-Afaliq, acting chairman of the CSC board, said the Vision 2030 program, which runs into billions of riyals, offer investment opportunities for friendly countries, including New Zealand.
He called for enhancement of cooperation between the two sides in a number of sectors, notably agriculture, food security, education, architecture engineering, health care, building materials, telecom, training, andconsultancy services.
l-Afaliq also called on the two sides to promote their joint business activities through trade deals that will push forward the bilateral economic ties as trade between the two countries, which is valued at $864 million in 2015, could be expanded further.
To promote business and economic relations, Al-Afaliq proposed a series of measures to remove certain obstacles, including high fees on customs duties, transport and insurance on goods bound for New Zealand. 
He added that there was no adequate information available on trade and business opportunities in New Zealand markets.
In his speech, Michael Web, head of New Zealand Business Council for the Middle Eastern Countries (BCMEC), said investment between his country and the Kingdom remains a priority. He hoped that New Zealand’s business sector will make its own contribution toward the overall success of Vision 2030.
On his part, MacClay stressed the importance of the delegation accompanying him and hoped that the visit will further raise the level of bilateral business relations through activities in trade, investment, technology transfer, and other areas.

Source: Arab News