Global trade revolution under the spotlight as Saudi Trade Finance Summit returns for 5th edition

For the 5th consecutive year, Dubai-based QnA International will host the Saudi Trade Finance Summit (STF) in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Saudi Arabia, on November 14 and 15.

Taking place at the Movenpick Hotel, Al Khobar, in 2017 the exclusive, invitation-only Summit will facilitate discussion and debate on the growth and continued evolution of global trade and the products and solutions it facilitates and demands.

The Summit is the Kingdom's largest and most influential trade finance gathering, uniting top CFOs with key stakeholders in Government and Regulatory Authorities, Financial Institutions, Technology providers, Trade Credit Insurers, Consulting and Advisory firms, Supply Chain Financers and Alternate Financiers.

ICC Saudi Arabia is confirmed to support the 5th Annual Saudi Trade Finance Summit as a line-up of decision makers and thought leaders take to the stage to discuss the financial regulations, strategies and trends shaping the Kingdom's economy. 

Yassin Saeed Al Suroor, Chairman, Saudi International Chamber of Commerce, commented: “ICC Saudi Arabia will once again support this important event in the Kingdom. As the world’s largest business organisation, the ICC works to promote international trade, responsible business conduct and a global approach to regulation in order to accelerate inclusive and sustainable trade growth for the benefit of all. The discussions and interactions scheduled for the fifth Saudi Trade Finance Summit, will highlight and underpin these goals and pave the way for further achievements in the coming years.”

The ICC is an international business organisation supporting enterprises to work with authorities to forge closer business ties and stronger success. The body’s global network counts more than six million members in more than 100 countries, representing every facet of business.

According to forecasters, 2017 is on track to become the first year that growth trade will close at more than 4%, reaching as high as 4.16% by the end of the year after trade volumes growth slowed to below 4% per annum in 2012-2016. The results come after global trade volumes fell 10.46% in 2009, followed by rises of 12.52% and 7.1%, in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Sidh N.C., Director, QnA International, commented, “Trade is integral to the regional economy and, as the driving force in the region, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to facilitate the change that will drive the future of trade. We welcome the involvement of the ICC for the fifth edition of this industry defining event, however, this is the first time the Summit will be held in the Kingdom’s industrial capital, Al Khobar, reflecting the Kingdom’s focus on key economic and industrial sectors during these times of significant global challenge and change.”

Over two days of insightful keynotes, presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities, the Summit will hear from: Zubair Shaikh, VP – Head Trade Finance Sales, Riyadh Bank; Mamdouh Alshahran, CFO and Deputy CEO, Saudi Real Estate Company; Gurumurthy Palani, Head of Global Transaction Banking, Gulf International Bank; Anjum Noman Mirza, Head of Trade Finance Sales and Solutions, Banque Saudi Fransi; Shady Shaher Elborno, Head of Macro Strategy Research, Emirates NBD; Massimiliano Leopardi, CFO, Sadara Chemical Company.

This year is the first time the Summit will be held in the Kingdom’s industrial capital, Al Khobar, after three editions in the capital, Riyadh, and one in the commercial hub of Jeddah

Sidh continued, “Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the GCC and an economic and political force for change across the wider MENA region.  We look forward to hearing from the Kingdom’s influential senior finance professionals and decision-makers as the Kingdom races ahead with its economic diversification and continued modernisation policies. Under Saudi Vision 2030, we have witnessed a number of ground-breaking developments from the Kingdom over recent months, including advances to boost transport, health, Oil and Gas, SMEs and health. As these policies continue to support economic diversification, financial institutions and corporates will in turn be supported to achieve sustainable growth.”