The newly constituted board of directors of Asharqia Chamber after the election of the new chairman Abdul Rahman Al-Otaishan (sitting in the center) at the chamber headquarters in Dammam on Sunday. On his right is the outgoing chairman Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed. — Courtesy photo

 

Saeed Haider

Saudi Gazette

 

DAMMAM—Prominent businessman from the Eastern Province, Abdul Rahman Al-Otaishan , has been elected Chairman of Asharqia (Eastern Province) Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the first meeting of  the 17th board of directors held in Dammam on Sunday.



In a keenly two-round contested election, the two candidates for the position — the incumbent chairman Abdul Rehman Al-Rashed  and the new aspirant Abdul Rahman Al-Otaishan — captured an equal number of votes.

Al-Rashed eventually withdrew from the fray in support of Al-Otaishan.



The newly constituted board of directors, which consists of 12 elected members and six nominated members by the Ministry of Commerce, also elected Mohammed Sa’ad Al-Farraj and Hassan Misfir Al-Zahrani as vice chairman of the board.



Abdul Mohsen Bin Abdul Majeed Al-Farj was elected as the chamber’s representative to the Council of Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh.



In a statement after the election, the new chairman thanked the board members for showing confidence in him and assured the businessmen of the Eastern Province that he, along with his team, will untiringly work for the growth and development of trade and industry in the region.



He said he will ensure that the functioning of the chamber is strengthened in order to serve the businessmen and women of the region. “We have to keep pace with the changing business environment and new aspirations of the businessmen and women of the country and at the same time our top priority would be to contribute greatly to the growth and development of national economy," he said. 



He added that the new board is determined carry forward its effort not only in serving the business community but also implementing several programs that will enhance abilities and professionalism in every sector of businesses, particularly in manpower.