PIF’s Private Sector Forum returns to Riyadh

The third edition of PIF’s Private Sector Forum takes place on February 12-13 in Riyadh, building on the success of previous years, with its focus on cooperation and fostering partnerships between PIF, its portfolio companies and the private sector to drive economic growth in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

This year’s forum introduces four key tracks, as part of its program aimed at empowering the private sector. “There will be places and times throughout the two days where everyone interested in an opportunity will come together and there will be a series of discussions,” explained Jerry Todd, Head of National Development Division at PIF, during a Reuters Plus podcast interview. “Some of these will be led by PIF, some of these will be led by portfolio companies, and some of these will be led by industry experts.”

Designed to create more value for attendees, these include the Investor Track, with a number of panels, fireside chats, and presentations on investment and collaboration opportunities; the Manufacturers and Services Track, consisting of panels and matchmaking activities between PIF portfolio companies and private sector representatives on manufacturing, value chains, and localization opportunities; the Financing and Capital Market Track, with workshops on available financing tools, and a guide to listing at the Saudi Exchange, and the Saudi capital market; and the Private Sector Enablement Track, offering workshops and sessions developed to uncover pivotal programs, initiatives, and tools available to private sector companies.

Previous Private Sector Forum success stories include global tower crane company WOLFFKRAN, which last year signed a joint venture with Zamil Group Investment Company to manufacture cranes in Saudi Arabia. 

“PIF was so supportive, and turned it around in the fastest time possible,” Peter Schiefer, Chairman and owner of global tower crane company WOLFFKRAN, told PIF News Network. “It arranged for us to find and talk to our partner, Zamil Group, and supported us in every aspect of organizing and arranging to build a factory in Saudi Arabia.”

There will be plenty of engagement opportunities with over 100 portfolio companies as well as leaders from government entities in attendance, and many chances for the private sector to discover insights into industry trends, strategic programs, and to attend partnership announcements at this year’s forum.

One of PIF’s initiatives showcased during the event is its Private Sector Hub, a platform offering opportunities for private sector businesses to engage with PIF and its portfolio companies across priority sectors.

It’s where Hassan Allam Holding found success following Private Sector Forum attendance. “We’ve created a very strong relationship with the team that is behind this initiative,” said Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding. “It’s helped us set up a regional headquarters in record time – months.”