JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia recently took part in an automobile energy seminar showcasing the latest Japanese technologies designed to reduce consumption in the transportation sector. The Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute in Jeddah hosted the event that was organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry in cooperation with the Japanese Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the Energy Conservation Center of Japan, the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, and KSN Corp. The symposium reviewed automobile energy efficiency in the Kingdom, related efforts to tackle climate change, ways to enhance the role of youth in the industry, and public awareness and education initiatives aimed at promoting economic driving methods. The director of the Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute, Salim H. Alasmarei, said a Saudi standard for fuel economy had been implemented in January 2016 and that the Kingdom had been chosen to stage the event because it was among the world’s largest oil-producing countries. Alasmarei noted that Saudi Arabia has witnessed rapid economic growth over recent years which has led to a rise in energy consumption. The Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, chaired by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, was set up specifically to look into related energy issues. He also pointed out that the center had started to apply standards for energy efficiency, mainly in the transportation and automotive technology sectors. Alasmarei added that the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry had proposed organizing the event at the Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute in recognition of its important role in transferring Japanese automobile maintenance and technology to Saudi youth for over 20 years. These individuals’ skills are now contributing to the Kingdom’s economic growth and supporting the Saudization jobs program.