JEDDAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman presided over a working group meeting on Saturday, in preparation for the “Biban Madinah” forum set to launch on Feb. 7.

The forum, which will discuss the viability of future economic and infrastructural projects, and support for medium and small businesses in and around Madinah, will run for three days. 

Prince Faisal highlighted the need for the region’s economy to diversify in order to secure its prosperity in the future, and the importance of projects, such as those to be discussed at the forum, in that process.

“Forums that discuss economic projects are successful only when they become reality. This forum’s success depends on the quality of investment opportunities it will bring to the region by helping small and medium businesses,” he said.

Prince Faisal also commended the efforts of the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises to support local businesses and entrepreneurs through similar forums, reserving special praise for its governor, Saleh Al-Rasheed.

Al-Rasheed said: “The forum will contribute to a competitive environment to encourage more small and medium enterprises to grow. 

“It is a platform for enrichment, empowerment, education and development, all while presenting numerous investment opportunities that suit the market’s needs.”