By Saleh Fareed

JEDDAH — The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by the Commercial Centers Committee, on Tuesday organized the launch ceremony of the Retail International Award in Jeddah for its first appearance in the Kingdom which aims to stimulate initiatives and competition for the prosperity and development of the retail industry in line with the vision of the Kingdom 2030.

It is the most prestigious event of its kind in the Saudi retail calendar and is geared to set benchmarks in this vibrant retail destination, said Mazen Batterjee, Chairman, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Batterjee opened the meeting held at the Jeddah Chamber by pointing out that this award, which is in its first edition in the Kingdom and in Jeddah in particular, promotes and celebrates innovation, creativity, and excellence in the retail industry.

He noted that the size of the retail sector in the Kingdom amounted to SR375 billion and in 2030 will reach SR1.2 trillion.

Secretary General of the Jeddah Chamber Hassan bin Ibrahim Dahlan said shopping centers and retailers have become more dynamic over recent years.

He added that the awards commend the efforts of organizations and individuals in the retailing industry while providing them the opportunity to be recognized by their peers for the superior quality for work.

The Chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce Centers Committee Mohammed Iqbal Bakr Alawi spoke about the rehabilitation of the Saudi workforce and the increase in labor productivity to meet the requirements of the labor market in the retail sector, which is witnessing the entry of smart applications and e-commerce. He added that the Kingdom will witness great growth In this field, which encourages investors to enter the Saudi market and draw a promising future for Saudi youth to join the retail sector.