Human development requirement for future growth with focus on Saudization is the key focus at an ongoing summit in Jeddah.

The second Jeddah Human Resource Forum and Saudization Forum opened on May 2 to run until May 6 in Jeddah.

The first three days are dedicated to the Jeddah HR Forum while the next two (May 5 and 6) will focus on Saudization Forum.

With 42,000 jobs created for Saudi nationals in 2009, the Saudi Ministry of Labor is committed to providing special incentives to companies that employ Saudis, a statement said.

“Companies are increasingly focusing on Saudization as a means to empower young entrepreneurs in the region,” said Katie Stanley, senior conference manager, IIR organiser of the event.

“The role of the human resource department is fast changing with companies looking to improve efficiency and effectiveness while enhancing business operations,” she added.

The forum will also elucidate identifying a business strategy to face new challenges.

The new Saudi budget has earmarked SR137.6 billion ($36.7 billion) to education and training, which is set to boost Saudization in the country, the statement said.

Estimates further show that the Saudi economy is pegged to grow at 4 per cent in 2010, which will drive cross-sector employment creation opportunities in the country, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service