Commerce Minister Appoints Four New Members, Including Two Women, to Baha Chamber Board
Dr. Majid Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia, has announced the appointment of four new members to the Board of Directors of the Baha Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The newly appointed members are Anas bin Khodran Hussein Al-Zahrani, Samar bint Eidah Saeed Al-Ghamdi, Najwa bint Rajeh Saeed Al-Zahrani, and Mohammed bin Ali Masoud Al-Ghamdi. Their appointments come as part of a broader ministerial decision aimed at restructuring the chamber for the next term, which spans from 1446 to 1450 AH.
This decision not only adds diversity to the Board but also fulfills the legal requirement for the board to be fully formed, with a total of eight members. The Ministry of Commerce had previously announced the names of four members who were elected by the chamber’s members during recent elections, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
A Dynamic New Board
The newly appointed members will join the following elected individuals, forming a comprehensive team dedicated to driving the chamber’s objectives: Saeed bin Saleh Saeed Al-Ghamdi, Mashi bin Mohammed Kharbiti Al-Omari, Amer bin Jaafar Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, and Mohammed bin Abdullah Saeed Al-Ghamdi. The formation of this new board is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the continued success of the Baha Chamber of Commerce, fostering business development, and enhancing the region’s economic prospects.
The appointment of female members, Samar bint Eidah Saeed Al-Ghamdi and Najwa bint Rajeh Saeed Al-Zahrani, marks a significant step toward improving gender representation and inclusion within the chamber’s leadership. These appointments reflect the chamber’s commitment to promoting diversity and empowering women in key economic roles, aligning with broader national objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.
A Legacy of Growth and Development
The Baha Chamber of Commerce, established in 1403 AH, has played an instrumental role in the development of the private sector in the Baha region. The chamber was founded after a group of distinguished citizens, businessmen, and regional leaders proposed the idea of establishing an independent chamber, which would serve the growing needs of local entrepreneurs. Prior to its establishment, businesses in the Baha region were governed by the Chamber of Commerce in Taif.
Once the idea gained momentum, it received support from the then-Governor of Baha, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim Al-Brahim (may he rest in peace), who was instrumental in helping secure the necessary resources for the chamber’s formation. The Ministry of Commerce issued decision No. (511) on 12/11/1403 AH, authorizing the creation of a preparatory committee to oversee the formation of the chamber. The committee was chaired by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdul Hadi (may he rest in peace) and included several prominent individuals such as Sheikh Othman Ahmed Al-Suwaid, Mr. Saleh Abdullah Al-Radif, Mr. Yahya Saleh Al-Faqih, Mr. Musa’ad Ahmed Al-Mujah (may he rest in peace), and Mr. Ahmed Abdullah Al-Wanan.
Under the leadership of this committee, a series of initiatives were launched to gather financial and in-kind contributions, as well as build the foundational structure needed to ensure the chamber’s success. These efforts culminated in the official inauguration of the Baha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which began operating on the 1st of Safar, 1404 AH, in a rented building.
Expansion and Regional Impact
Since its inception, the Baha Chamber of Commerce has steadily expanded to serve the growing needs of the local business community. Initially operating out of rented space, the chamber moved to its permanent headquarters in 1410 AH, located along the Ghabat Shahbah road in the city of Baha. In the following years, the chamber also launched additional branches, with a new branch opening in the Belgrashi governorate in 1407 AH, which later moved into its own building in 1414 AH. The expansion continued with the establishment of another branch in the Al-Makhwa governorate in 1416 AH, serving businesses in the Tihama region for 12 years. In 1428 AH, the Al-Makhwa branch was transformed into its own independent chamber, the Baha Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Al-Makhwa governorate, further solidifying the chamber’s regional influence and expanding its reach to more areas.
Over the years, the Baha Chamber of Commerce has become an integral part of the region’s economic landscape, offering a wide array of services designed to support local businesses, enhance trade, and foster economic growth. Its initiatives have contributed significantly to the development of industries such as retail, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, positioning the chamber as a vital resource for both new and established businesses in the region.
Commitment to Saudi Vision 2030
The recent appointments to the Baha Chamber of Commerce Board reflect a strong alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and empower individuals from all segments of society. The inclusion of female members on the board highlights the ongoing efforts to increase gender equality in the workforce and leadership positions, a key objective of Vision 2030.
As the new board members take on their roles, the chamber is expected to continue its focus on expanding economic opportunities, facilitating investment, and driving innovation in the Baha region. With the support of its experienced leadership and strategic vision, the Baha Chamber of Commerce is well-positioned to play a key role in the kingdom’s broader economic transformation in the years to come.
Through this new leadership structure, the Baha Chamber of Commerce is poised to take on the challenges of a rapidly evolving business landscape, ensuring that the region remains competitive in the face of national and global economic shifts. As businesses in Baha continue to grow and thrive, the chamber’s efforts will remain a cornerstone of the region’s economic development.
