Export Britain

Profile

The Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) is an independent and private sector-led (not for profit) body, which aims to develop and enhance business relations at all levels between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.  Through its 120 British and Saudi members, and its Secretariat in London and Riyadh, it offers a range of advisory services, as well as access to high level governmental and private sector networks in both Kingdoms. 

The UK Co-Chair is Rt Hon Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, who works alongside her Saudi counterpart, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mutawa Alotaibi.

Services for Exporters

Our team of professionals can advise and facilitate all aspects of private sector business and relations between the Kingdoms. Our key objectives are:

• To promote and facilitate private sector commerce and business activity between Saudi Arabia and the UK.
• To communicate with the authorities in both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Kingdom (UK), with the aim of improving business to business cooperation, as well as assisting in the settling of commercial disputes.
• To facilitate training, technology transfer and knowledge exchange between the KSA and the UK.
• To promote business and partnership opportunities in the Kingdoms, particularly for small and medium sized enterprises.

The Council meets formally at least twice a year, in addition to informal meetings. Members can benefit from a range of business advisory services, participation in joint working groups, focused events and networking opportunities.

SBJBC works closely with both governments and other trade associations in pursuit of its objectives. In addition to being an accredited member of the British Chamber of Commerce Global Network, SBJBC is a UKTI Trade Challenge Partner.  

Market Information

With a population of over 28 million, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest economy of the Arab world (and accounts for 25% of their overall GDP).  Traditionally seen as an oil-based economy, it possesses around 16% of the world’s proven reserves which translates to around 95% of their export earnings. 

However, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a period of relatively high growth and economic progress over the past few years, and following policies of economic diversification and reform, its GDP reached approximately US$750 billion in 2013.  Indeed, driven by the new economic efforts of the Government, the non-oil sectors (driven by manufacturing, construction, wholesale & retail trade, banking & financial services and transportation) accounted for 51.8% of GDP in 2013.  As a result, Saudi Arabia is an attractive and stable location within the Middle East for all sectors and foreign private investment. 

The publication of Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Programme has resulted in renewed momentum in Saudi and British business relations. There is significant scope for knowledge and expertise transfer. SBJBC is at the forefront of facilitating this interaction.