Power of the Chamber Global Network Conference

15th July 2014

Chris Innes-Hopkins, DirectorSaudi British Joint Business Council

Strategically located in the heart of the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is:•The Middle East’s largest economy: GDP of $750bn & average growth of 6.5% p.a. over the last decade.•The only economy to offer scale and substance, and our most important trading partner in the region.

Key Facts• Population of 30 mil (of which 50% are under 25)• Access to 70 mil potential consumers in the GCC

(and more than 300 mil in the Middle East).• No personal income tax & corporate tax of 20%.• Key sectors include: petrochemicals, renewable &

nuclear energy, transport, infrastructure, water, education and healthcare. Not just oil!

• G20 member, 18th largest economy in the world & 22nd in the ‘Ease of doing Business Index’.

• Largest stock market in the Gulf & accounts for 25% of the Arab world’s GDP.

• Largest recipient of FDI in the Arab World.

Infrastructure• $440bn of total projects planned – 70% of GCC total• Transport: $45bn allocated to develop Railway and Metro

sector eg: Saudi Landbridge, & Metro projects in Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah. Also airport development.

• Water: Government investing $66bn to long-term capital investments over the next decade.

• Health: $100bn to build new hospitals and upgrade skills over next 5 years.

• Education accounts for over 25% of the total Saudi budget. Increased emphasis on vocational training.

• Petrochemicals: $20bn for the SADARA complex in Jubail Industrial City. Substantial UK engineering input.

Economic Diversification & Saudisation

Business Culture in Saudi Arabia

• Understand that the decision-making processes and the culture is very different.

• Invest in relationship-building.• Evaluate your business partner thoroughly.• Take legal advice, locally (Sharia legislation).• Visit, visit, visit • Commit to a long term presence and

transfer of skills in the market.

• Agree and sign-up with the first partner that you come across.

• Expect email responses and hurry the process.• Generalise, as there are many differences

between the East, West & Central Provinces.• Give the impression that you aim to do

business from a regional base elsewhere in the Gulf, or make comparisons with other GCC markets.

The Role of the SBJBCA private sector led body, which aims to strengthen business relations at all levels between the UK and Saudi Arabia. Membership comprises senior British & Saudi business representatives.

The Council’s principal objectives are:•Promote, facilitate and develop private sector commerce and business activity, through relevant networks and sector working groups.•Communicate business concerns to relevant authorities in both Kingdoms, and act as a UKTI partner through the Overseas Business Network Initiative.•Provide market introductory services & facilitate training, technology transfer and knowledge exchange between the UK and Saudi Arabia.

SBJBC UK is a company limited by guarantee.  The Board of Directors chaired by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean comprises senior UK business representatives.

For further details please contact:Chris Innes-HopkinsUK Executive DirectorSBJBC UK Secretariat10 Grosvenor GardensLondon SW1W 0DHTel: 0207-824-1933 E: director@sbjbc.org

Thank you!

SBJBC Contact Details