RIYADH: The Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MCI) held a workshop in conjunction with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss the future of e-commerce.
Participants at the two-day workshop included representatives from several governments, as well as a Saudi e-commerce technical team that included officials from the private sector.
According to the ministry, the program was designed to enhance capacity building at a national level.
“The aim of this workshop was to discuss the latest developments in the field,” said one media source, who added that the ministry wants to take full advantage of the technical assistance provided by international organizations like the WTO.
The WTO is currently intensifying efforts to bring e-commerce to the forefront so that it is adopted among all of its member states.
A host of submissions were put forward by members as part of an exploratory scope of work in support of future talks on the trade-related aspects of e-commerce.
Experts from the organization also addressed challenges within the field and proposals made by member states.
The preparatory process came in implementation of a joint statement signed by 71 members at 11th WTO ministerial conference, which was held last year in Argentina.
During the conference, members acknowledged the opportunities provided by e-commerce in fostering inclusive trade and development.
Saudi Arabia joined the WTO in 2005 and actively takes part in WTO meetings to strengthen national interest through these multi-lateral trade systems.
Workshop held over future of e-commerce in Riyadh
Workshop held over future of e-commerce in Riyadh
- Experts from the organization also addressed challenges within the field and proposals made by member states
KSrelief delivers dates to Sudan and Burkina Faso
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed dates in Sudan and Burkina Faso, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
In Sudan 700 cartons of dates were distributed, benefiting 4,020 individuals living in Wad Madani.
The aid agency also gifted 50 tonnes of dates to Burkina Faso as a part of their relief programs.
Saudi crown prince, European council president discuss cooperation
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from European Council President Antonio Costa, the Saudi Press Agency said early Thursday.
The pair discussed enhancing cooperation between the Kingdom and European Union countries.
They also tackled a number of regional and international issues and the efforts made to achieve security and stability.
Interpol to establish regional office in Saudi Arabia
- The Kingdom and the international police organization sign host country agreement
RIYADH: Interpol is to establish an office in Saudi Arabia that will serve the Middle East and North Africa region.
Hisham Al-Faleh, undersecretary at the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior, and Jurgen Stock, secretary-general of the international police organization, signed a host country agreement on Wednesday.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, the Saudi Minister of Interior, and Maj. Gen. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, the president of Interpol, also attended the signing ceremony, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In addition, they discussed Interpol’s activities during a meeting that also included Nasser Al-Dawood, the deputy minister of interior; Brig. Gen. Abdulmalik Al-Saqeeh, the director general of Saudi Interpol; and other senior officials.
Saudi Shoura Council speaker receives Japan’s newly appointed envoy
Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Asheikh received Japan’s newly appointed Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Morino Yasunari in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The Japanese ambassador praised the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan, affirming his country’s commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed ways to bolster parliamentary collaboration between the Shoura Council and the Japanese Parliament, and other topics of mutual interest.
Qassim governor praises green initiative’s success
- The Green Qassim Land Initiative has completed planting 5 million trees as part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative
RIYADH: Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal commended the success of the Green Qassim Land Initiative in planting 5 million trees as part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative.
In a meeting on Wednesday, he praised government and private sector efforts, particularly the contributions of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
The governor also lauded the ministry’s and center’s innovative approach to repurposing materials confiscated from environmental regulation violators for sustainable reforestation, notably in Qassim National Park.
Prince Faisal reaffirmed the region’s commitment to expanding vegetation cover and strengthening environmental protection, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry’s Qassim branch director general, Salman Al-Suwainea, said that the initiative has progressed through various stages of collaboration with governmental and nonprofit organizations, playing a key role in advancing the Saudi Green Initiative’s objectives.
