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BMG Financial Group held its 16th annual Economic Forum at the London Stock Exchange under the theme “Riyadh: The City of the Future” on July 5.

The forum aimed to showcase the latest investment opportunities in �������� and guide international companies wishing to expand their presence in the Kingdom.

It also outlined the major structural changes that the Kingdom, generally, and Riyadh, specifically, are undergoing as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

The bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh will heavily rely on implementing structural changes, as the Kingdom aims to astonish the world with the innovative design of Riyadh Expo. Spanning across a vast area of 6 million sq meters, the expo will pioneer a sustainable future for cities and their communities.

The BMG Economic Forum highlighted the benefits of listing family businesses in the stock market and dual listing as well.

It also showcased the significant progress made by �������� in the cybersecurity field, especially since the Kingdom is becoming increasingly effective and attractive to investors in such a field since it has gained a world reputation and respect. The Kingdom has climbed from 46th to 2nd place in the Global Cybersecurity Index.

The renewed historic city of Diriyah project was exhibited through a pre-recorded speech delivered by Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

I believe that the BMG Economic Forum has succeeded in delivering strong messages about the ‘Invest in Saudi’ program in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

Inzerillo showcased ��������’s more than 300 years of authentic culture and history and outlined its one-of-a-kind inspiring heritage experiences, educational and cultural opportunities, world-class residential living, and outstanding lifestyle offerings to include shopping, entertainment and dining experiences.

The Saudi founder and creative director of fashion brand HONAYDA, Honayda Serafi, talked about the ample opportunities for fashion businesses in the Kingdom, especially since the country is hosting a booming industry and employing 200,000 people, contributing about 1.4 percent to gross domestic product.

Finally, the forum addressed the new investment trends in �������� that are opening economic opportunities to the world, especially in the aerospace, renewable energy, information technologies, logistics, sports, tourism and entertainment industries.

BMG Financial Group is a Saudi-based company licensed by the Saudi Capital Market Authority offering investment banking activities to clients and investors in �������� and globally.

The London Stock Exchange is the largest capital market in Europe with a deep pool of liquidity and international investors.

Tom Attenborough, head of international business development at the London Stock Exchange, praised the strong relationships between �������� and the UK, and showed commitment to supporting the Vision 2030 reform plan and its exciting opportunities.

I believe that the BMG Economic Forum has succeeded in delivering strong messages about the “Invest in Saudi” program in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

The forum also succeeded in creating a platform for Saudi and UK businesses to explore business opportunities in the Kingdom of mutual interest to the two countries.

• Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. Twitter: @TalatHafiz

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