Strategic plan to make Jeddah a world-class city

Strategic plan to make Jeddah a world-class city Arab News

JEDDAH: An agreement has been signed between the Jeddah municipality and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) to realize the strategic vision of making Jeddah a world-class city capable of hosting major international events. Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal presided over the signing ceremony at his office on Wednesday as Jeddah Mayor Adel Fakieh and JCCI Chairman Muhammad Al-Fadhl signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU). "The MoU aims at strengthening the relations between JCCI and the municipality to improve services required for the city's development plans and investment projects," said Fakieh. "This is the first practical step toward implementing the strategic plan for the development of Jeddah," the mayor said, adding the chamber would organize seminars and workshops and contract consultancy offices in order to achieve the agreement's objectives. The MoU includes a number of important aspects for enhancing Jeddah's facilities in terms of building new roads and utility services, to meet the requirements of the city's growing population. The MoU identified the role of the private sector in economic, social and construction projects for the Makkah province in general and Jeddah in particular. "The MoU provides a framework for the participation of businessmen in implementing small, nonprofitable projects for the benefit of society," the mayor said. He added it also aims to protect the city's environment and eradicate pollution. In a similar statement, Al-Fadhl said the agreement would contribute to making Jeddah an international city, hosting major forums and events. He also disclosed plans to establish a fund for this purpose. "The JCCI representing the private sector and the municipality representing the public sector would work together to make Jeddah an important city on the economic map and play a significant role in achieving sustained progress for the Kingdom," he said. In a previous statement, Al-Fakieh highlighted the municipality's efforts to make Jeddah a beautiful haven for coming generations. "The city plans to attract more people for education, tourism, work, residence and entertainment in an atmosphere of exuberance and security." Fakieh said the city, being at a crossroad between the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, had a great responsibility toward the Muslim world. "It remains the focal point for pilgrims and visitors to Islam's two most sacred mosques," he added. According to the mayor, Jeddah will also become an international commercial center characterized by dynamism and flexibility. "Jeddah has a diversified economic base and deep-rooted trade traditions that will make it a unique international trade and tourist center. The city is determined to achieve and maintain its sustainable development," he said. Meanwhile, Prince Khaled set up an executive team to implement the Prince Sultan Community Center project in Jeddah. During a meeting with the prince, the company assigned to carry out the project gave its preliminary concept of the center and its contents.