In an era where globalization is reshaping the contours of international business, the role of visionaries who foster and nurture these relationships becomes paramount. One such visionary is Mr. Sam Jamsheedi, founder of the Australian Saudi Business Forum and head of the Trademark Group of Companies. In an enlightening conversation with Oz Arab Media, Jamsheedi provides a deep dive into his entrepreneurial journey, the birth of his ventures, and the vast untapped potential he perceives in strengthening business ties between Australia and Saudi Arabia.
Trademark Group: A Vision Materialized
Behind every successful venture lies a story of passion, perseverance, and vision. For the Trademark Group, it was the dream of creating a bridge. “Our initial idea when we launched Trademark Group three years ago was to create an effective bridge between Australia and the Middle East,” Jamsheedi elucidated. With deep connections in the GCC region, the overarching goal was to enable a fluid interaction between businesses in Australia and the GCC.
However, global aspirations were momentarily halted by the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Unfortunately we got hit by COVID. So like many Australian businesses, instead of expanding internationally, we concentrated locally,” Jamsheedi reflected. But adversity often breeds innovation. Despite the global setback, the Trademark Group expanded its local presence, amassing a portfolio of 152 companies.
Unearthing the Saudi Goldmine
A chance meeting in the UAE was the catalyst that steered Jamsheedi towards Saudi Arabia. “I got approached by a great friend of mine that said, have you considered Saudi Arabia?” he reminisced. This suggestion culminated in his inaugural trip to the nation, an experience that was revelatory. “As soon as I walked out of the airport, I was amazed by how much opportunity is actually laid in Saudi and where the Saudi vision is,” he expressed with palpable enthusiasm.
Historically insular, Saudi Arabia embarked on a transformative journey with the introduction of Saudi Vision 2030 by His Highness in 2016. This ambitious blueprint aimed to metamorphose the nation both economically and culturally. Recognizing this seismic shift, Jamsheedi envisioned a plethora of opportunities for Australian businesses in this burgeoning market.
The Australian Saudi Business Forum: Bridging Two Nations
The inception of the Australian Saudi Business Forum (ASBF) was a response to the palpable need for an active, dynamic platform to facilitate business interactions between Australia and Saudi Arabia. “We owe both countries that much to create a not-for-profit organization that allows any individual or any business to share one platform to engage one another,” Jamsheedi articulated.
Under the aegis of the ASBF, multiple trade delegations were organized, witnessing participation from nearly 100 Australian companies. The response was overwhelmingly positive. “We had 81 companies within our own network that signed up to come to the first delegation,” Jamsheedi shared, a testament to the burgeoning interest in Saudi-Australian collaborations.
A Cornucopia of Opportunities
Jamsheedi’s conviction in the boundless opportunities that Saudi Arabia offers is unwavering. “Every sector is going to be successful in Saudi because Saudi is going to be the biggest news in the 21st century,” he asserted. He spotlighted sectors like mining, food and beverage, infrastructure, construction, architectural, engineering, and education as particularly promising.
A Clarion Call for Collaboration
In his concluding remarks, Jamsheedi underscored the imperative for Australian businesses to venture into the Saudi market. “I do want Australians from every sector to fly to Saudi,” he passionately advocated. He is convinced that the current trade dynamics between the two nations are just the tip of the iceberg.
In the inspiring words of Sam Jamsheedi, “This is the time to be in Saudi Arabia.” His endeavors are a clarion call for collaboration, mutual understanding, and exploration of uncharted territories. As the global business landscape continues to evolve, pioneers like Jamsheedi illuminate the path towards a future of shared prosperity and growth.
