PC unit to start operation

The first personal computer (PC) manufacturing factory in the Kingdom is set to [QQ]commence operation in September in Riyadh.

The factory will manufacture Zai PCs in cooperation with Intel and Microsoft Arabia, as a recommended support point, said Mohammed Abdul Rehman Al Ariefy, president of Al Faisaliah Group, a conglomerate of several businesses.

Initially, the factory will produce 15,000 PCs a year. The capacity will be increased later.

am re-export zone soon

The Dammam Bonded and Re-export Zone will start operating by the third quarter of this year at the King Abdul Aziz Port to manage and service the expected increase in the trade of re-export products.

The zone will be operated by the Saudi Development and Re-export Services Company, which is a partnership of leading businessmen in the Eastern Province.

The zone is being developed in phases, the first of which will cost SR30 million ($8.1 million).

The zone's project manager Salman Al Habib said it would stimulate and energise economic development, trade and commercial activities in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Eastern Province and the neighbouring Gulf states.

Tadco pays 5 pc dividend

Tabuk Agricultural Development Company (Tadco) is to pay 5 per cent dividend to its shareholders for the year 1999, according to a decision approved by the general assembly of shareholders.

Ban renewed

Saudi Arabia has decided to renew a year-old ban on Belgian food products because of fears of dioxin contamination, Al Eqtissadiya newspaper said.