Saudi Arabia is committed to creating a world-class environment for investors, said Abdullatif A. Al-Othman, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority.

“The smooth transition of power to Custodian of the The Two Holy Mosques King Salman is a testament to the stability and commitment to our leadership,” he said.

King Salman brings with him a track record of knowledge, insight and success from an early age, said the SAGIA chief.

Al-Othman made these remarks in his keynote speech at the Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) in Riyadh.

More than 1,500 local and foreign delegates are taking part in the conference, focused on the country’s priority investment sectors and major development projects. Eric Schmidt from Google and Bill McDermott from SAP were also present.

Al-Othman hailed King Salman as a learned leader with an avid knowledge of history, and a true statesman in building and fostering relationships.

“The city in which we stand today is a testament to King Salman’s leadership as governor of the Riyadh Province over five decades. As the governor, he oversaw the city’s transformation both in terms of population growth and also as a global city,” said the SAGIA chief.

King Salman has been a strong supporter of promoting the Kingdom as an investment destination, said Al-Othman.

“In fact, King Salman inaugurated the first ever GCF in 2007. This support has continued. Over the past year alone he has visited France, India, Japan and China to promote the opportunities the Kingdom offers investors,” he said.

Al-Othman added: “To investors here today and around the world — both current and prospective — I want to assure you that our door is always open and we are just a phone call or e-mail away to help investors in whatever way possible.”

He added: “As the world changes faster than ever, and as Saudi Arabia changes with it, we very much hope you will join us so that we may unlock our country’s great potential together.”

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