Leaders from multiple nations convene under the United Diplomatic Council to advance economic, trade, and investment dialogue in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Jeddah : The United Diplomatic Council (UDC) hosted a high-level Trade Conference on Economic Diplomacy and Internationalization in Jeddah, gathering ministers, senior diplomats, trade commissioners, honorary consuls, distinguished business leaders, and representatives from the embassies of China, the Philippines, Sudan, and Kazakhstan.
The conference served as a pivotal platform for dialogue on international cooperation, economic resilience, and cross-border investment opportunities. It followed the successful Energy Diplomacy Dialogue organized by UDC in Riyadh in July 2025, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to deepening global engagement and fostering strategic partnerships through sustained diplomatic and economic collaboration.
Opening the session, Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization and Chairman of the Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), emphasized that economic diplomacy has become the cornerstone of modern international relations. He noted that the collaboration between UDC and AACC continues to build a global bridge between nations—transforming dialogue into development and partnerships into progress.
H.E. Mr. Raed Habiss, Vice Chairman of Baseera Group and Vice Chairman of the Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in shaping international trade and diplomacy. He stated that under the guidance of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has successfully diversified its economy and emerged as a dynamic global hub linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.
“Jeddah’s unique position as a cultural and commercial centre makes it a natural choice for global trade dialogue and investment partnerships,” he added.
Mr. Harees Haneefa, Honorary Trade Commissioner to Saudi Arabia under the Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce based in Al Jubail, Eastern Province, spoke about the expanding scope of business diplomacy, noting that entrepreneurs and private entities now play a transformative role in global cooperation. He praised UDC and AACC for creating institutional frameworks that connect visionaries, investors, and innovators across regions.
Saudi Arabia — The New Epicenter of Global Investment
Mr. Shakkir Hussain, Founder and Chairman of Arabian Horizon Company shared an insightful perspective on Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global gateway for investment and entrepreneurship.
He highlighted that the Kingdom’s bold reforms under Vision 2030 have created a world-class environment for investors through progressive regulatory frameworks, modern infrastructure, and a thriving innovation ecosystem.
“Saudi Arabia today stands as one of the most promising destinations for global business expansion,” he remarked. “With its strategic location bridging three continents, investor-friendly policies, and unwavering commitment to transformation, the Kingdom offers unparalleled opportunities across sectors — from industrial manufacturing and renewable energy to real estate, F&B, and precious metals.”
Mr. Hussain also emphasized that the private sector’s proactive role, combined with international collaboration and government initiatives, is driving sustainable growth and positioning Saudi Arabia as a strategic anchor for global trade and investment networks.
Mr. Lu Ye, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of China, commended UDC’s leadership for facilitating meaningful engagement between nations. He underscored that the UDC Trade Conference represents an essential step toward building lasting economic relationships and enhancing mutual understanding between regions, particularly within the GCC, Asia, and Europe.
Delegates from Bahrain, Togo, Sudan, India, Kazakhstan, and Germany echoed their shared intent to explore new trade frameworks, encourage investment collaborations, and strengthen diplomatic cooperation through UDC’s expanding global network. The collective participation reflected international recognition of Saudi Arabia’s vital role in shaping the global economic landscape.
The conference concluded with a unified message:
Economic diplomacy is no longer a matter of policy alone — it is a global instrument for inclusive growth, uniting governments, industries, and investors to achieve shared prosperity.
Through the partnership between the United Diplomatic Council (UDC) and the Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing international dialogue, supporting trade innovation, and enabling a resilient and inclusive global economy.
