On September 30, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Union of Arab Chambers convened at its 135th session in Qatar, where they appointed Hassan bin Moejeb Al-Huwaizi, President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, as the First Vice President of the union. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom's efforts to promote joint Arab economic cooperation and solidify its position as a leader in the region.
As First Vice President of the Union of Arab Chambers, Al-Huwaizi will play a crucial role in driving forward the union's objectives and promoting economic integration and unity among Arab countries. His appointment reflects the confidence of the Arab business sector in his leadership and vision, as well as recognition of the pioneering role of the Saudi government and business sector in advancing Arab economic integration and unity.
Al-Huwaizi's impressive track record in senior leadership roles is marked by numerous successes, including his current positions as President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, Vice President of the Federation of GCC Chambers, and President of the Abha Chamber. His comprehensive economic vision has been instrumental in driving growth and development across these organizations.
In accepting his new role, Al-Huwaizi expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in him by the Union of Arab Chambers' Board of Directors. However, he also highlighted the need for intensified efforts to address the modest intra-Arab trade percentage, which currently stands at only 13.8% of the total foreign trade of Arab countries. He emphasized that this percentage is significantly lower compared to other regional blocs and urged for collective action to remove regulatory, customs, and procedural barriers hindering trade between Arab countries.
The Union of Arab Chambers' 135th session provided a platform for Al-Huwaizi to share his vision for promoting Arab economic cooperation and integration. As First Vice President, he will work closely with the union's leadership to identify and address key challenges facing the region's economy.