An organisation that aims to boost trade between the North East and Saudi Arabia has been formed following the takeover of Newcastle United by a Saudi-led consortium.
The Saudi-North East England Trade and Investment Dialogue has been launched by the North East Economic Forum (NEEF), a body that has aimed to promote opportunities in the region’s economy on a national and international level for almost 20 years.
The body - which has been launched with a dinner for the Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bander al Saud, with a number of North East business leaders - aims to bring together public, private and educational bodies with one of the world’s richest countries to explore opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, life sciences, tourism, health, education and skills. It follows the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United, which has been criticised by some because of the country’s record on human rights, but which has proved popular among many fans for turning the club into one of the best teams in England.
