RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 29, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] this week is hosting an aerospace supplier conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the first time, bringing together 16 U.S. companies and seven Saudi firms to help identify potential opportunities for industrial cooperation and development.
"Boeing is excited about promoting cooperation between U.S. and Saudi aerospace companies," said Ahmed Jazzar, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia. "Continued advances in Saudi industrial capability not only spur development in Saudi Arabia, but open new avenues for the U.S. industrial base."
The conference, which runs through July 30, introduces Saudi companies to their U.S. counterparts, strengthens business relationships, and lays the foundation for potential job growth and technology advancement in both countries.
"Saudi companies want to be a major force in the global aerospace industry," said Mohammed Fallatah, president and CEO of Alsalam Aircraft Company, Boeing's maintenance, repair and overhaul partner in Saudi Arabia. "A forum like this fosters constructive dialogue on issues like technology transfer and emerging market opportunities."
"Attending this conference enhances relations and connections with U.S. industry," said Mohammed Al-Khalifah, senior vice president and general manager for Saudi Arabia's Advanced Electronics Company. "Such links are invaluable in our efforts to develop high-technology products and services in Saudi Arabia."