GCF 2016 to Examine Key Drivers of Competitive Sectors

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Leaders from business, politics, academics and media will meet in Riyadh to discuss the key components that drive competitiveness at the Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) on January 24-26, 2016, hosted by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) under the patronage of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman.

In the ninth edition of the Middle East and North Africa's premier economic forum, GCF participants will explore the theme of "Competitive Sectors" and the strategies governments can use to accelerate the role industry sectors play in maintaining sustainable economic growth. The discussions will highlight those sectors that directly impact growth and human resources development, such as healthcare and life sciences, transport, education, ICT, and the services industries.

The event will open with a special ceremony on the evening of January 24 before continuing the following day with a full program of speeches, panel discussions, and engaging one-on-one conversations with experts on a diverse range of topics such as economic growth, innovation, Saudi women in business, diversifying the energy sector, and creating effective ecosystems for digital start-ups.

H.E. Abdullatif A. Al-Othman, Governor of SAGIA, said: "The GCF has established itself as the regional focal point for business and government leaders to discuss how best to foster and drive competitiveness both in Saudi Arabia, and the wider world. This year, we look forward to building on these conversations under the theme 'Competitive Sectors', focusing on those sectors that best enable sustainable economic growth.

"I am very pleased to welcome participants from across the globe to Saudi Arabia for the GCF. Of course, hosting the largest forum in the Middle East on competitiveness in itself makes the GCF a must not miss occasion. But its true value comes from the insights of our speakers, our panelists and our guests.

"In the past eight years, the audience has come away from Riyadh informed, inspired, and armed with the awareness of how competitiveness strategies can enable them to stay ahead of the curve. I fully expect this year to have the same impact."

Notes 

• Inaugurated in 2006 by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the GCF has grown into one of the largest and most important annual gatherings of academics, business leaders, politicians and journalists in the region. 
• Past keynote speakers have included former US president Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and renowned statesmen Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, FW de Klerk of South Africa, and Tony Blair of the UK.  
• Each year, an average of over 2,000 people participate in the Forum's various activities 

For more information, go to: http://www.gcf.org.sa

SOURCE Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA)

For further information: please contact: Justin King, International Relations Adviser, Jking@sagia.gov.sa, +966-(0)56-724-2379