The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group organized an event on “Promoting Connectivity for Sustainable Development” on the sidelines of WTO’s Aid for Trade Global Review 2017 in Geneva. The event was chaired by Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), on behalf of the chairman of the IDB Group, in addition to the special presence of Aja Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang, vice president of Gambia, who delivered the keynote speech.
The event provided an in-depth analysis of the IDB Group’s strategic objectives in financing infrastructure investment for enhancing connectivity, regional integration and trade development. During the event, the IDB Group launched its report on “Promoting Connectivity for Sustainable Development” which highlights IDB Group’s support for development of productive capacities in member countries and its assistance to overcome supply side constraints. The report also highlights main achievements of Aid for Trade activities in member countries.
The event was also an opportunity to bring together experts and partners to share experiences and exchange ideas on ways to overcome key obstacles that hinder the growth and connectivity among member countries. Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the WTO Saleh bin Eid Al-Hussaini and Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the WTO Amr Ramadan were the key speakers in the opening session. In addition, presentations were made by Torbjörn Fredriksson, chief of ICT Analysis, Technology and Logistics at the UN Conference on Trade and Development, Nicolas Gresser, director of Regulatory Affairs at Etisalat Group, Syed Habib Ahmed, adviser to ITFC CEO, Ahmed Al-Qabany, senior transport and urban development specialist at IDB, and Elmostafa AitAmor, senior cooperation specialist at IDB.
Hani Salem Sonbol stated that “the IDB Group has adopted a 10-year strategy (2016-2025) of which one of its objectives is “Connectivity for Growth.” The objective of Connectivity for Growth stems from IDB Group’s mandate to promote cooperation among its member countries in various forms, both in terms of private sector and public-sector cooperation to enhance trade, investment, knowledge, and capacity development.
IDB promotes connectivity for sustainable development in Geneva
IDB promotes connectivity for sustainable development in Geneva
LuLu opens two new stores in Riyadh and Dammam
LuLu Retail has further expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia with the unveiling of two state-of-the-art shopping destinations in Riyadh and Dammam. These new stores are designed to bring a modern shopping experience closer to residential neighborhoods, offering everything from daily groceries to household essentials under one roof.
The expansion includes a massive flagship hypermarket and a convenient express store, each tailored to meet the needs of the local community with high standards of service and variety.
Recently, Yusuffali M. A., chairman of LuLu Group, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to continuous growth while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of products and maintaining stable prices for customers.
The largest of the new openings is located in the Suwaidi district of Riyadh. This massive flagship hypermarket covers more than 400,000 square feet and is built to be a one-stop shop for the capital’s residents.
The store was officially inaugurated by Mohammed Khalid Al-Shalfan, investors relationship manager at the Ministry of Investment, and Matar Salem Ali Marran Al-Dhaheri, ambassador of the UAE to Saudi Arabia.
This new retail landmark features an extensive range of departments, including grocery food and non-food items, beauty and wellness, chilled and dairy products, frozen foods, and a roastery. Shoppers can also find fresh fruits, vegetables, a bakery, and a delicatessen, as well as fresh meat and fish sections. A unique feature is the fresh food dining area. For tech enthusiasts, there are dedicated sections for computers, gaming, telecom, mobile phones, and consumer electronics. The store also carries stationery, household goods, home furnishings, toys, luggage, and footwear, all supported by more than 100 parking spaces.
Meanwhile in Dammam, LuLu inaugurated a new LuLu Xpress store and the LOT, a value shopping destination, in the Faisaliya district. The store was officially inaugurated by Mansour Al-Binali, assistant director general of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for the Eastern Province.
Covering 33,000 square feet, the store includes a wide range of products with fresh food, local produce, and meat, along with a section for technical consumer goods featuring the latest electronics and gadgets.
The LOT Value Shop focuses on high-quality items at affordable prices. Residents can shop for household goods, home furnishings, stationery, toys, and educational products, most of which are priced below SR22 ($5.86).
For added convenience, the location provides nearly 100 parking spaces.
LuLu has launched special inaugural offers across all departments in both the Riyadh and Dammam stores. These promotions allow customers to enjoy significant savings on a wide range of products and international brands. This expansion reinforces LuLu’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s retail growth and providing quality service to neighborhoods across Saudi Arabia.
