DAVOS: Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s former ambassador in Washington and London, mounted a strong defense of the anti-corruption campaign in the Kingdom at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos.
Speaking on a panel entitled “Middle East and North Africa Strategic Outlook” with regional business and political leaders, he said that the campaign would not deter foreign investment in the Kingdom.
“I cannot accept the proposition that fighting corruption will drive away investors. It will attract them, because they know they will not have to pay the extra 5 or 10 percent for bribes,” he told Davos delegates.
He also insisted that due process of law was being observed in the campaign, which has led to several prominent business figures being held for investigation of their financial affairs at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Riyadh.
“Those deemed to be innocent have been released. Those who reached a settlement with the government will give back money and they will be set free. Those who chose to go to court will do so. But there is due process. They speak to their lawyers and the families from the Ritz Carlton,” he said.
The campaign is the result of a two-year investigation ordered by King Salman.
Prince Turki said: “This has been a long-running campaign planned by the King for a long time. Corruption is a disease that has to be rooted out. If you don’t deal with it, you’re accused of doing nothing. If you do, people start inventing stories about due process.”
His anti-corruption stance was echoed by another Gulf business leader. Alain Bejjani, chief executive of the UAE-based conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim, said that he had attended the Future Investment Initiative held in Riyadh last October, staged at the Ritz Carlton.
“I was delighted to see the world coming to Riyadh and putting Saudi Arabia back on the map. Since then, we have had the anti-corruption campaign, which I believe is a great thing in our part of the world.
“Let’s acknowledge that being against corruption is a good thing. When there was corruption in there system, nobody worried then about due process, but now some people worry. That is strange. But I do believe the business world needs more communication about what is going on,” Bejjani said.
Prince Turki tells Davos: ‘Corruption is a disease that has to be rooted out’
Prince Turki tells Davos: ‘Corruption is a disease that has to be rooted out’
Economic growth and resilience at heart of 2nd AlUla Emerging Market Economies Conference
- Event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together ministers, governors of central banks, policymakers, economic experts and international financial institutions
- Emerging-market economies a ‘pivotal element’ in global economic system due to effect they have on growth and stability, says Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan
RIYADH: The second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, which Saudi Arabia will host next week, offers a platform to exchange views on global developments and discuss policies and reforms that support inclusive growth and strengthen economic resilience, the Kingdom’s finance minister said.
The event on Feb. 8 and 9 will bring together finance ministers, governors of central banks and policymakers, alongside economic experts and representatives of international financial institutions.
Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, it takes place as emerging-market economies face mounting challenges amid rapid global economic change.
Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the decision to host the conference reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to efforts that support global financial and economic stability, and highlights the growing influence of emerging economies on worldwide growth.
Emerging-market economies represent a “pivotal element” in the global economic system due to the direct impact they have on economic growth and stability, he added.
“The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies provides a unique platform for exchanging views on global economic developments, and discussing policies and reforms that will support inclusive growth and enhance economic resilience, in light of broader international cooperation that contributes to confronting common challenges,” Al-Jadaan said.
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the event would help emerging economies deal with growing uncertainty driven by technological change, demographic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
“The AlUla conference provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss how they can navigate the risks and embrace the opportunities ahead,” she said.
“In these times of sweeping transformations in the global economy, policymakers face a more challenging and uncertain environment. Countries should work together to strengthen resilience through sound macroeconomic and financial policies.”
