OVERVIEW OF THE RIYADH
RIYADH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (RCCI)


1- Establishment of the RCCI and Its Strategic Importance:

The Riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been established by virtue of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 239 dated 22 August 1961.

The RCCI's role is to take care of and support the private sector in Riyadh region as stipulated in the Regulation of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce & Industry that was promulgated under the Honorable Royal Decree dated 19 January 1946 that was amended by the Royal Order No. 2828 dated 10 June 1949 and by the Royal Decree No. M/6 dated 18 March 1980. The said Regulation stipulates that the Chamber is a non-profit body that shall, within its jurisdiction, represent the private commercial and industrial interests before government authorities and shall maintain and promote such interests. These Chambers shall have a corporate body and shall be established under the Resolution of the Minister of Commerce & Industry.

The RCCI's establishment came at a time when Riyadh was about to witness an overall renaissance in all commercial, industrial, agricultural, contracting and services activities, so that Riyadh would be one of the key investment-attracting centers of the Kingdom.

The RCCI has a distinctive position in the circle of economic activities due to several factors, including:

a) Riyadh is the capital of the country and has a political, social and economic weight; hence, the RCCI is close and proximate to decision-making centers.

b) There are numerous firms in Riyadh at the level of the Kingdom's regions, and so Riyadh region occupies the first and top rank in respect of the existing economic activities.

c) The private sector plays an increasing role in carrying out the Kingdom’s development programs, and enlarges its social connections through participating in the national and public occasions.

d) Subsequent and successive global economic changes have affected the national economy and so the RCCI had to harness its potentials and capacities to monitor and mitigate the impacts of these changes and fluctuations.

e) The visiting prominent figures of national and foreign officials, government and business delegations are keen to approach the RCCI to get acquainted with its activities.

f) The charitable work and philanthropic activities have been broadened and the RCCI participates in such activities and in establishing and supporting their committees, societies and centers.


2- Services Provided by the RCCI:

In light of jurisdictions stipulated in the Chambers' Regulation, the RCCI implements its activities through extending integrated series of services that take three major directions:

2.1 RCCI Services to the Private Sector:

These services involve those relating to investment, information, training, research and studies, legal and consultation services, introducing commercial opportunities, participating in the marketing and promotion of national products. They also include organizing and holding seminars, symposia, lectures and gatherings to discuss and review issues of national economy and private sector. In publications, the RCCI services cover publishing directories and guides, providing communication and procedural services to member firms and support services to small enterprises. Meanwhile, such services encompass discussing and studying those difficulties encountered by enterprises as well as upgrading their performance through those committees made of experienced member firms, and resolving commercial disputes by way of compromise, arbitration and dispute settlements.


2.2 RCCI's Services to Local Community:

These services include getting acquainted with the cultural and developmental renaissance in Riyadh region, preparing studies on economic investment and development aspects, participation in landscaping and improving environment activities, supporting health, social and philanthropic activities and motivating the role of the private sector, and taking part in social responsibility.

2.3 RCCI's Services to National Economy:

These services include preparing studies on the national economy and those sectors affiliated to it, promotion of investment opportunities available in the Kingdom, participation in activating the Kingdom's economic relationships, organizing events to discuss and study the issues, changes and developments related to the national economy. They also include providing government authorities with data and information regarding the private sector's activities, participation in qualifying, training and employing the national workforce and propagation on development achievements.


3- RCCI's Organizational Structure:

The Chamber is composed of four inter-related formations, namely:

3.1 General Assembly:

The General Assembly represents all the RCCI member companies. It approves in its annual meeting all RCCI activities.

At the end of 2010, the RCCI's member companies reached about 80 thousand.

3.2 Board of Directors:

Having a life cycle of four years, the board of directors is formed and re-formed every four years. It is composed of 18 members, 12 members of them are selected by ballot and votes of the RCCI members, whereas the remaining third is appointed by the Minister of Commerce & Industry.


3.3 Committees Set up by the Board of Directors:

These committees are made of those experienced and well-versed RCCI member businesspersons. Setting up those committees aims at achieving direct participation from the part of RCCI members in discussing the issues and affairs relating to their economic activities.

3.4 RCCI's General Secretariat:

The RCCI General Secretariat is considered to be the executive body of the RCCI. It develops and undertakes such programs that lead to achieve the RCCI's objectives. The Secretary-General oversees the function of the Secretariat and is responsible for the progress of its work. The Secretary-General is appointed by the Board of Directors.