Six Saudi women who are active in the business world are in Cairo to participate in the Second Conference of Arab Businesswomen, which was opened yesterday by Suzanne Mubarak, wife of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The conference, which is part of the five-day Cairo International Fair, will include discussions on the establishment of an Arab common market, the enhancement of the Middle East's trade and business environment, the role of businesswomen in economic development, the promotion of products and services produced by the Arab world, and the formation of a federation of Arab businesswomen's associations.

Mr. Khalid Rabah, speaking for the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reported in the Saudi Gazette today that in the Kingdom businesswomen are welcomed and treated as equals with businessmen in strict accordance with Shariah [Islamic law]. He added that when it comes to business activity, there is no distinction between businessmen and businesswomen. Areas of business operations are open to both, and both enjoy the same facilities and services provided by the Saudi Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

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