Wissam Hachem made a presentation addressing legal aspects in Saudi Arabia, and the firm held a dinner reception for delegates

The U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC) has successfully concluded its first business development mission of the year in which representatives from seven companies visited Dammam and Riyadh from January 15-18, 2012. 

The 19 delegates represented companies from Cincinnati and the greater Ohio area and were led by Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory. During his visit, Mayor Mallory remarked on the success of the mission: “The main purpose of this visit is to connect American businesses with Saudi Arabia. All the delegates were very excited and enthusiastic about the opportunities and consultations that they have had here.  Great things will come out of these interactions."  Mayor Mallory first visited the Kingdom in 2009 as part of a mayoral delegation that met with Saudi business representatives and senior government officials.

The Ohio companies represented a variety of industry sectors including healthcare, engineering, construction, agriculture, aviation, petrochemicals, and defense and security. The delegation met with senior officials at Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) during their visit.  The companies additionally met with members and leaders of the Eastern Province and Riyadh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and had individual company meetings with potential Saudi business partners. 

The mission also offered insight into doing business in the Kingdom and provided opportunities for the delegates to meet and network with Americans currently working and residing in Saudi Arabia.  The mission began with an overview of the economic and legal environment in Saudi Arabia as well as background on the country’s major industries.  Speakers included Timothy Pounds, U.S. Consul General; Nasir Abbasi, Counselor for Commercial Services; Dr. Bassam Boodai, Managing Director and CEO, Jenan Real Estate; and Wissam Hachem, Partner, EK Partners & Al-Enezee Legal Counsel in association with Squire Sanders.

The American Business Association of the Eastern Province sponsored a reception at the U.S. Consulate in Dhahran, which was hosted by Consul General Timothy Pounds.  A breakfast event hosted by the American Business Group of Riyadh also offered the opportunity for the Ohio companies to obtain first-hand information about doing business in Saudi Arabia.  Similarly, the delegates were able to speak with representatives of Squire Sanders regarding the legal aspects of doing business in the Kingdom during a dinner hosted by the firm.  Squire Sanders is a law firm based in Cleveland, OH, and associated with EK Partners & Al-Enezee in Saudi Arabia.  

While in the Eastern Province, Khalid Ali Alturki & Sons Co. hosted the group for lunch at its new headquarters building.  The wife of Chairman Khalid Alturki is a Cincinnati native and the company was keen to introduce the Ohio group to its various business activities.