Join us for a Breakfast Panel Discussion, featuring T.H. James B. Smith, Ambassador of the US to Saudi Arabia and Amer M. Kayani, Counselor for Commercial Affairs, who will speak about opportunities for US companies in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's budget for the fiscal year of 2010 approximates $144 billion in expenditures, the Kingdom’s largest budget to date.

This emphasis on spending in a time of economic uncertainty demonstrates the Saudi government's ongoing commitment to developing infrastructure and improving social services in the sectors of education, health, security, social and municipal services, water, sanitary drainage, roads, electronic commerce and scientific research support. Infrastructure spending alone will total $69.3 billion of projects allocated to power generation, construction, and transportation.

The government is also committed to a $400 billion investment program through 2013 aimed at creating opportunities for the private sector through spending to keep the economy on a sustainable growth pattern.

Featured Panelists:

Amer M. Kayani, Counselor for Commercial Affairs, Embassy of the United States
Facilitating US companies interested in doing business in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Kayani oversees commercial operations in Bahrain. He also has served as the Regional Senior Commercial Officer for Egypt, Libya, and Lebanon.

Ms.Nouf Al Rakan, CEO, AL Imtiaz AL Amthal
Al Imtiaz AL Amthal is a trading company specializing in IT solutions, clothing and food products. The management currently implemented a new strategic shift from selling to production. The company is planning on opening a factory that will be fully run by Saudi women. Ms.Al Rakan has also established a new company focused on representing the oil and gas industry in the Kingdom.

Ahmed Islam, Regional Director of the Americas, Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority
Mr. Islam is responsible for managing the investment environment in the Kingdom. His objective is to achieve rapid and sustainable economic growth by creating a pro-business environment.

Michael Linczyc, Principal/Corporate Director of Development, Wilson Associates
Internationally acclaimed interior architectural design firm, Wilson Associates has been awarded the design of 19 hotels in Makkah, Saudia Arabia as part of the Makkah Development Authority's plan to develop Makkah's central region by 2020. Mr. Linczyc spearheads and implements the business development plan to retain and grow market share for the company globally.

Christopher Williams, Associate, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP
Addressing practical legal considerations for doing business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Williams advises clients on a wide range of Middle East and international mergers including acquisition transactions and group restructuring exercises.