Q2 - 2021
All the latest news and events from AmCham Dubai
THE AMCHAM UPDATE
2021
SPECIAL 301 REPORT PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF BRAND OWNERS AmCham Dubai’s American Brands Forum congratulates the UAE government for their strong efforts
IN THIS ISSUE ARAB HEALTH KICK-OFF BREAKFAST
3M APPOINTS NEW VP & MANAGING DIRECTOR
US CHAMBER & G7 SUMMARY
AmCham Dubai hosted industry leaders from all areas of the health sector
Welcoming Laszlo Svinger as the new leader of 3M for the Middle East & Africa
Opportunities for Business Professionals to set up in the UAE.
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A NOTE FROM OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR
A NOTE FROM AMCHAM DUBAI’S MANAGING DIRECTOR As many of you may know, in my former life, I worked with the USO. A wonderful organization dedicated to supporting our military where they are deployed around the world. One of things that I always welcomed was the opportunity to visit the US submarines when they would pull into port. It was the best opportunity to feel the immediate impact of my job! When a Sub would “surface”, we were there to welcome the crew and provide details of what they could expect on their visit. As the hatch would raise and the submariners would come off, the bright sunlight often took a bit of adjusting to. Subs are not the brightest lit… It was always great to see the crew begin to reengage in life ashore. I feel that same feeling now. Arab Health was our first, in person, face to face event and the energy was amazing. People were respectful of the social distancing, but really enjoying the opportunity to re-engage. Impact… I love it. AmCham Dubai is committed to providing opportunities for our members to safely re-engage as we all surface as the world begins to welcome “post covid” opportunities. Things may look a bit different than they used to, but we are committed to YOU, our members and we want your experience to be impactful! We have had some other fantastic wins this quarter. Specifically, with our committee work. The heart and soul of the organization. This is one deeply impactful way for our members to engage and get things done – our theme ISSUE-ACTION-RESULT is encapsulated in the recent American Brands Forum’s collaboration
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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
with the UAE government to remove the UAE from the Special 301 Report. The ABF offered solutions and support in relation to tackling counterfeits and brand ownership. It sounds simple, but honestly, it was a year in the making and dedication by both our members and the governments. Please see full details within the newsletter. At the same time, we were awarded with the Gold Stevie Award in March for our capacity as the co-secretariat of the Multi-Nation Business Continuity Taskforce, in the Best NonProfit Response to COVID -19. In June the full AmCham team- Board and Staff met to receive and celebrate the award. As is the cyclical life of Dubai we would like to wish two term AmCham Dubai Board Member, Robert Nichols of 3M a smooth transition into retiremen.t He leaves 3M after 34 years of service. Nichols joined 3M in 1987. In 2019, he drove 3M to customize products for 40 local countries in the Middle East and Africa. Under his leadership, 3M announced new business segments, including safety and industrial, transportation and electronics, and healthcare and consumer goods. He was an active and engaged member of the board and we would like to thank him for his service. For those of you traveling this summer, we wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back home to the UAE in September! Regards, Cara Nazari Managing Director
ABOUT AMCHAM DUBAI
WE ARE AMCHAM DUBAI AmCham operates under the local patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and is a member of the Global Network of American Chambers of Commerce in Washington, DC. The Council’s membership is comprised of American Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, and U.A.E. organizations across all sectors of business and industry and includes American and Emirati individuals. All are accepted after review of eligibility based upon membership qualification criteria defined in the AmCham constitution and by-laws. AmCham Dubai organizes events and webinars in partnership with key public and private stakeholders from the U.S., the local region as well as internationally. AmCham Dubai’s goal is to strengthen commercial ties between the U.S. and the UAE. and offer exceptional value and support services to its members.
THE EXECUTIVE TEAM
Cara Nazari
Cynthia Beermann
Managing Director AmCham Dubai
Membership Manager
Helena Hyde
Kathy Hyde
Program & Events Director
Special Projects
Lilibeth Delatina
#bepartofit
Accounts Administrator
OUR 2021 BOARD
Sammy Bousaba
Said Haddad
Roula Droubi
Shamsa Al Falasi
Amer Afifi
President
Executive Vice President
Vice President Programs
Vice President Membership
Vice President Financial Affairs
Quinn Kurtz
Sura Alawi
Nizar Heneidi
Raed Hergli
Board Member
Vice President Legal Affairs & Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Robert Mikhael
Cara Nazari
Anne Jafery
Frank Joseph
Board Member
Managing Director
Immediate Past President
Commercial Attache U.S. Consulate Dubai
THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
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AMCHAM UPDATE Q2
Q2 CONTENTS NEW MEMBERS
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UAE GOVERNMENT UPDATES
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ARAB HEALTH
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MEMBER NEWS
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CYBOLOGY EDITORIAL
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIVISION UPDATE
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G7 SUMMARY
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COMMITTEE UPDATES
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MEMBERSHIP REWARDS
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WHAT COMMUNITY LEADERS ARE READING "People often ask me what I'm reading. I love reading! I honestly feel like I do not have enough time to do it in the way it should be done. I listen to some non-fiction books, and then if they are really Pam Durant good, I'll go back and buy them. Diapoint I especially love when the writer tells their own story. When it comes to fiction, I like to read the actual book though. Audiobooks never quite manage to suck me into the story. The last two books that I listened to were business/self development related. One was related to branding, and the other related to growing your business. And yes, Rachel Rogers is right - we should all be millionaires! I loved this book because it's not just a typical "change your money" mindset. She backed it up with actual evidence, and actionable items. While much of it is focused on the American female experience, it still resonates. I also love that she supports American black women and marginalized groups. She is truly "being the change" that is much needed in the world there. "Be" was good for me because I find personal branding in social media a slippery slope. I fell in love with Instagram because I love photography, not because I was looking for a marketplace! So for someone like me, it put it into perspective and the reality of what social media has become that I can't escape, and how I might go about using it better for my brand."
We Should All Be Millionaires Rachel Rodgers 4
THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
Be. Jessica Zweig
AMCHAM UPDATE Q2
AmCham Dubai’s Premier Club is an exclusive partnership opportunity providing extended access to leadership of relevant organizations. Premier Club members receive many benefits in addition to our typical business member benefits. PRESIDENT’S CLUB MEMBERS
PROGRAM & EVENTS CALENDAR 2021 JULY July 4th
Sun 4
Arafat and Eid
19 - 22
AUGUST Board of Directors Meeting The BIG InterCouncil Networking Evening
Sun 1 Thurs 26
SEPTEMBER Summation of the HR Committee Review
Tues 7
Board of Directors Meeting Followed by U.S. Consulate Section Briefings with cocktail reception (in-person event)
Sun 12
Cross Border Data Flows and Data Privacy Round Table Discussion
VICE-PRESIDENT’S CLUB MEMBERS
5G Network & US Infrastructure Partnership
Wed 22 TBC
President’s and Vice President’s Club levels are investments above and beyond regular membership dues. The funds from the additional dues help AmCham provide new opportunities and benefits for our members while continuing to support program development. At the same time, these members receive elevated exposure and high level engagement. Each level is designed to host a minimum number of members to keep the club relevant.
THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
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AMCHAM MEMBERSHIP
A Warm Welcome to Our New Members Presidents Club
UAE Business
American Business
We would like to welcome our new members to the AmCham Dubai
• Craft an engagement strategy
When you join the AmCham you are joining a diverse and collaborative membership organization working together to make Dubai & the Northern Emirates the best place for business to thrive. We’re here to help you make the most of your membership. Whether you have been a member for years or a day, our Member Services Team is here to help you leverage your membership in ways that advance your business objectives. We have a team of talented and engaged member-focused professionals to help you:
Maximize your membership! We’ll help you create a plan that allows you to take advantage of the Chamber’s core offerings to meet your business needs at every level. • Let us come to you
Our team will visit your office and provide a tailored overview of membership benefits to your staff. That’s a win-win since engaged members offer your organization a competitive advantage and enrich and diversify our programs and events. • Facilitate introductions and attendee lists
Our Member Services Team are happy to make connections
We help to facilitate this work by:
Acting as a catalyst for American business in the region
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Creating a consolidated voice of business and thought-leaders for strategic networking, and programs that keep you informed
THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
Providing a relationship building platform among American and other business communities
Driving knowledge sharing and advocating for public policies that contribute to the economic success of our region and generate economic opportunity
Investing in talent through comprehensive leadership development programs designed to connect and grow strong leaders
Tap to pay with Visa No Touch, No Problem. Tap to pay where you see
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SAVE THE DATE
AMCHAM DUBAI KICK-OFF BREAKFAST NOVEMBER 14TH, 2021 @ 7AM - 9:30AM #dubaiairshow
VIEW WEBSITE THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
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B R A N DS RUM FO
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UAE GOVERNMENT UPDATES
AMERICAN BRANDS FORUM
AMCHAM CONGRATULATES THE UAE FOR ITS EFFORTS ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Business to Government Collaboration Nets a Win for All Dubai-UAE: 23 May, 2021 – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been demonstrating leadership in the realm of regional intellectual property protection for those operating within their borders. AmCham Dubai and the American Brands Forum celebrate with the United Arab Emirates the recently published United States Trade Representative Special 301 Report. The UAE’s recent efforts to protect Intellectual Property have been recognized and resulted in the UAE’s removal from the report which is an annual review of the global state of IP protection and enforcement. As an example, The Ministry of Health and Prevention resolved concerns with IP protection of pharmaceutical products by issuing Decree 321. Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, and Ajman DED have taken leadership roles in resolving long-standing Intellectual Property (IP) enforcement concerns. Given the important role UAE plays in the global movement of goods, this work has helped to alleviate a major cause of industry concerns. The UAE increased transparency this past year as many authorities published their IP enforcement procedures and Federal Customs began publishing annual IP enforcement statistics.
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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
Recently, the Ajman Department of Economic Development committed to a collaborative working relationship with the AmCham Dubai’s American Brands Forum (ABF) and worked to clear counterfeit goods from the Ajman China Mall. AmCham Dubai’s engaged brands have demonstrated full support for the ongoing program with Ajman DED. “I am so pleased to congratulate the UAE for improving its intellectual property ecosystem and for those efforts being recognized in the U.S. Trade Representative Special 301 Report on April 30“, said U.S. Intellectual Property Attaché for the Middle East and North Africa, Pete Mehravari, “It is a pleasure to work closely with AmCham Dubai’s American Brands Forum (ABF) in their advocacy for protecting consumers against counterfeit goods in the UAE and the region. The fact that many of the UAE’s intellectual property achievements noted in the 2021 Special 301 Report relate to enhancing efforts to stop counterfeit goods is certainly a clear testament to the ABF and their members’ incredible work with the Emirati government and with the U.S. Mission in the UAE.”
UAE GOVERNMENT UPDATES
“AmCham Dubai’s American Brands Forum, in collaboration with US and UAE government officials have demonstrated how essential a business to government partnership can be in achieving synergistic goals. Working together and communicating delivers solid results creating an optimized business environment for brand owners and consumers alike. We had an issue, we
actioned it and got major results. I want to offer a special thank you to Emirates Intellectual Property Association, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs and Ajman Department of Economic Development for their leadership and to all that have been involved in this positive collaboration.” Sammy Bousaba, President, AmCham Dubai.
American Brands Forum AmCham Dubai formed The American Brands Forum with the objective of boosting collaboration between American brands and being the concerted voice of American business in the UAE. At the same time supporting local effort in tackling issues related to; Intellectual property rights and enforcement, as well as developing and coordinating efforts with law enforcement agencies on lobbying engagements, and advocacy campaigns. The committee is lead by top American brands;
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ARAB HEALTH
ARAB HEALTH UNITED BY BUSINESS DRIVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD
AmCham Dubai hosted industry leaders from all areas of the health sector, Arab Health exhibitors, local representatives, and government officials at its annual Arab Health Breakfast on Monday, June 21, 2021 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. This strategic event is held each year as a kickoff to the Arab Health Expo giving an opportunity to network between exhibitors looking to do business with established US companies and government entities on the ground. The breakfast welcomed Christine Lawson, Acting US Consul General in Dubai, Said Haddad, Executive Vice President of AmCham Dubai, Ayman Mohktar Regional President Viatris, Middle East, Turkey and Levant, and host of the USA Pavilion at Arab Health 2021, Tom Kallman, CEO of Kallman Worldwide Inc.
EVENT SPEAKERS WELCOME ADDRESS
SAID HADDAD AmCham Dubai Executive VP, Senior VP of High Growth Markets & Beckman Coulter Diagnostics
SPEAKER
CHRISTINE LAWSON Acting US Consulate General in Dubai
SPEAKER
PARTNERS:
AYMAN MOKHTAR Regional President Viatris Middle East, Turkey and Levant
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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
ARAB HEALTH
KICK-OFF BREAKFAST PHOTOS
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MEMBER NEWS
UAE ELECTED TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL According to Article 24 of the UN Charter, all members of the organisation confer on the Security Council "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security". In a global forum whose central mission is promoting diplomacy over conflict, the council arguably shoulders its most important responsibility. On Friday, the UN General Assembly elected the UAE to sit on the Security Council for the term spanning 2022-2023. Speaking before the vote, the country's UN ambassador, Lana Nusseibeh, said the UAE will use its tenure to push for a wide multilateral response to deal with global
US EMBASSY UPDATES
challenges, as well as diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East. The UAE joins four other elected countries Albania, Brazil, Ghana and Gabon.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
COVID-19 GREEN PASS SYSTEM INTRODUCED IN ABU DHABI UAE authorities introduced a COVID-19 green pass system, the Al Hosn app, on June 15, 2021. It requires people to show their testing and vaccination status to enter public venues, including parks, malls, hotels, gyms, cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and other public areas. The Al Hosn app also facilitates contact tracing intended to reduce the spread of the virus. Downloading such apps on your mobile device may present privacy and security risks. Individuals should consider protection of sensitive personal information before downloading tracking applications.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
MEMBER NEWS
3M APPOINTS NEW VICE PRESIDENT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR Dubai, United Arab Emirates, – June 1, 2021 3M (NYSE: MMM), today announced the appointment of Laszlo Svinger as its new Vice President and Managing Director, Middle East, and Africa. In his role, Svinger will oversee the strategic expansion and sustained growth of 3M across the region. Svinger’s business development and management experience spans over 25 years. Prior to joining 3M, he held several managerial positions within major international companies at oil and gas sector such as ExxonMobil and ENI (Agip) Corporation. The new MEA head brings a wealth of experience as a global industry and healthcare senior executive having joined the company in 2008 as Business Development Manager, Safety, Security and Protection System with 3M Hungary. He was responsible for driving sustainable financial growth and forging strong relationships with clients. He was later assigned to lead 3M’s Healthcare Business in Russia before moving to the United Arab Emirates as CEEMEA Area
Director for Health Care Business Group and most recently holding the position of EMEA Area Director for Food Safety Division. Commenting on his appointment, “I am looking forward to lead 3M’s efforts in the region, building new experiences that significantly enhance people’s lives and steering the company forward across MEA. Our focus on being a purpose-driven enterprise, sustaining a science-based, collaborative approach to improving lives remains as strong as ever, joint together with our employees, customers, partners, governments, and communities,” said Laszlo Svinger. Laszlo’s distinguished career and contribution to 3M, his extensive market knowledge and experience will continue to pave the company’s footprint as the company’s as he becomes the new Vice President and Managing Director of the region. The appointment further strengthens 3M’s developing business in the MEA region, as the company continues advocating science to improve life around the world. THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
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MEMBER NEWS
UAE REMAINS TOP EXPORT DESTINATION FOR USA The United Arab Emirates remains the United States’ top export destination for the entire Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region for the twelfth year in a row, according to data released today by the Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
IN 2020: The United States and the UAE conducted
$17.83 billion
The United States enjoyed a
$11.68 billion
in total bilateral trade
trade surplus with the UAE – the US’ 4th largest globally
The United States exports to the UAE reached a total of
The United States exports to the UAE supported just over
$14.75 billion a 26% ($5.21 billion decrease from 2019
88,000 American Jobs*
*Calculated using the U.S. Department of Commerce jobs multiplier (5,967 jobs per $1 billion in exports)
For more information on the 2020 trade figures, please see the U.S. Census Bureau’s US/UAE foreign trade balance report here. For more information on the UAE/US relationship, please visit the UAE Embassy’s website here.
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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
LDC Kitchen & Coffee is a casual dining venue that is home-grown and home-made. Welcome to LDC Kitchen + coffee, an inclusive space where “Everyone has a seat at the table.” We are a local UAE café concept with an amazing food and drinks offering that rightfully sits amongst the best in the city. Our exciting menu is matched by eclectic interiors and a passion for the best quality. Our unique LDC bird can be found shading under coffee trees or splashed across the walls of your favorite neighborhood cafe. Come in and enjoy warm service, quality ingredients, impressive value for money and a passion for craft that is unparalleled in today’s mainstream. You can find LDC across Dubai. We’ve made a home in Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC, Media City, JLT and Mira thats the perfect space to unwind, celebrate or get down business. We take great pride in elevating specialty coffee alongside a diverse selection of familiar food favourites and are strictly for those who savour excellence.
find us at
DIFC SHEIK ZAYED ROAD INTERNET CITY ONE JLT MIRA TOWN CENTER
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EDITORIAL
CYBOLOGY THE "HUMAN" SOLUTION Why a behavioral science approach is the answer to a cybersecurity problem By Zaal Nodjoumi - CEO, Cyber Sense Technologies
Cyberology is a term created by Dr. James Norrie, founder of cyberconIQ and professor at York College of Pennsylvania, to address the most important question in cybersecurity today - How do you keep people safer online and prevent cybercrime? After years of research involving countless hours of focus groups, testing and development, Dr. Norrie came to the conclusion that online human behavior is not random. In fact, our online instincts and impulses are derived from our personalities and our enthusiasm for embracing risk and following rules. He found there are four specific personality types. Each one is both valuable and vulnerable in different ways and present in the workforce. Each is also susceptible to different forms of cyber attacks. Using this new knowledge, cyberconIQ has been able to correlate known threat vectors (various forms of online attacks such as phishing, smishing, man-inthe-middle, whaling, deep fakes and many others) to each individual’s personality type with a 98% confidence interval. That is a very high correlation. What this allows is insight into the ways in which people are most vulnerable online allowing new ways of training people to empower them to avoid becoming a victim of an online cybersecurity attack. In fact, the system is proven to be 4 to 6 times more effective than generic training and is proven to change on-the-job behavior. And the best part? As they become safer online at work, they also benefit from being safer online when at home too!
Why is this important? Cyber criminals are using the effects of COVID-19 to their benefit and wreaking havoc across the world. The most obvious example of this is the targeting of remote workers operating from their home networks, which are often unprotected endpoints. Today, as much as 70%-95% of successful cyber breaches are caused by some form of human error or related to a human factor. Is it fair to blame the workforce for this? We don’t believe so because fear does not permanently change our behavior. It only gets you temporary compliance. Considering all the responsibilities aside from current workloads such as job security, finances, health and family issues, and adding in COVID-19 fears - the reality of these combined stresses cause fatigue-based complacency. Instead, we recommend a more positive approach that empowers and engages your workforce, turning them into informed, security assets. Until we all focus on changing user behaviour, and sustaining cybersecurity awareness instead of sowing fear, real change will not occur, and cybersecurity risks will not be diminished as a threat to society and businesses. Everyone from board members and c-suite executives to entry level staff need to be vigilant, confident, and aware of their vulnerabilities, and armed with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent potential breaches. We are not suggesting everyone become cybersecurity professionals - but what is desperately needed is for everyone to learn to trust their instincts when something seems suspicious, and have the confidence to report concerns to relevant team members and ensure correct measures are taken.
Contact info@cybersenseme.com for more information AmCham exclusive discount available 16
THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
AMCHAM PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS JUN
8
A LOOK INSIDE THE BIDEN PRESIDENCY
A LOOK INSIDE THE
BIDEN PRESIDENCY
OVERVIEW Topics of discussion included: the Biden-Harris administration’s policies relating to national and economic security, sanctions and export control developments relating to Russia, China, and Iran, and recent developments involving Israel and the Middle East.
WEBINAR: TUESDAY JUNE 8, 2021 16:30 - 18:00 GST | 8:30 - 10:00 EST Join us for an interactive virtual discussion with legal and policy experts who will reflect on the early stages of the Biden presidency and comment on the trajectory of the administration’s policies impacting business in the Middle East and elsewhere.
SPEAKERS: FORMER U.S. SEN.
FORMER U.S. REP.
JOE S. DONNELLY
ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN
PARTNER WASHINGTON, D.C
SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR WASHINGTON, D.C
Supported by:
Key speakers include former U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly and former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. The Washington insiders can break through the political lingo and provide their analysis on what this means for us.
CATCH UP WITH OUR WEBINARS ONLINE If you missed our live webinars then you don't need to worry. You can catch up on all of them online via the AmCham Dubai website. VIEW PAST EVENTS HERE
COMING SOON... OCT
17-21
SUPPORTED EVENT: Ai EVERYTHING
FIND OUT MORE
THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIVISION UPDATE
US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DIVISION UPDATE President Biden has declared throughout his trip to Europe that “America is back.” In some ways we agree: The weekend’s events and ongoing engagement with the Europeans and other leaders including the Japanese has effectively signaled U.S. leadership on the pandemic, climate, cyber, and other issues.
Myron Brilliant Executive Vice President & Head of International Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
An agreement between the United States and the European Union on the long-running large civil aircraft disputes, accompanied by a pledge to suspend application of $11.5 billion in tariffs. We expect that removal of these damaging tariffs will provide significant relief for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. It will also pave the way for the U.S. and EU to tackle non-market practices in global markets, uphold fair competition, and help our workers and companies compete on a level playing field. The U.S. and EU also launched a bilateral Trade & Technology Council, a strategic dialogue the Chamber has consistently encouraged. Lots of positive news, though we’ll continue to push for progress towards lifting Section 232 tariffs and finalizing a new Privacy Shield agreement.
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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
G7 2021 SUMMARY
SUMMARY ADDITIONAL 1 BILLION VACCINES FOR POOR NATIONS
REFLECTED ON GROWING CONCERN AROUND INFLATION
Half of which would come from the United States — while assuaging concerns about compulsory licensing of vaccine-related IP. The group also recognized the looming failure of antibiotics due to antimicrobial resistance – an area of significant Chamber advocacy over the past several years.
The COVID-driven economic crisis is far from over, but conversations at the summit reflected growing concern around inflation. A muchhyped discussion around a 15% global minimum tax proved less robust than expected, and leaders tossed the ball to the G20 and OECD, where we expect a lengthy battle.
DISCUSSION ABOUT STRONGER TRADE RULES TO ADDRESS CHINA’S UNFAIR PRACTICES
JOINT COMMUNIQUE USED NOTABLY HARSHER AND MORE EXTENSIVE LANGUAGE ON CHINA & RUSSIA
Leaders pledged to enhance cooperation on investment screening and called for a task force on infrastructure finance in third countries – a clear nod to interest in offering alternatives to Chinese financing. In addition, trade ministers will pick up discussions on policies to eradicate forced labor in global supply chains, a serious concern but potentially a source of costly new compliance requirements as well as sanctions.to antimicrobial resistance – an area of significant Chamber advocacy over the past several years.
G7 INDUSTRIAL DECARBONIZATION AGENDA AS A PLATFORM TO HARMONIZE STANDARDS Leaders also agreed to move to an “overwhelmingly decarbonized power system in 2030,” but with no definition as to what this means and adopted B7 recommendations for a nuanced approach to coal regulation. Leaders also agreed “to move forward towards” mandatory climaterelated financial disclosures that provide “decisionuseful” information. Despite our expectations going into the weekend, we saw little discussion of sustainable agriculture, which will become more of a flashpoint moving forward.
MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF DIGITAL APPS, TESTING REQUIREMENTS & VACCINATION STATUS On COVID, as borders begin to reopen, leaders called for mutual recognition of digital applications, testing requirements and vaccination status, with further discussions to follow. While not the level of action the Chamber and B7 have been advocating for, we consider this a partial win.
While U.S. officials described a “spectrum” of willingness by G7 members to push Beijing, the statement was harsh enough to prompt an almost immediate rebuke from the Chinese government. The outcome reflects growing concern among participants about China’s behavior but fell short of expectations of some in the U.S. government.
G7 LEADERS ADOPTED A 2030 NATURE COMPACT Reflecting a commitment to consider the environmental impact of economic policy. The group pledged to dramatically increase public and private investment in biodiversity and the “nature positive economy,” and threw their support behind the new Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures. The G7 also signaled a potential new UN – or other multilateral institution – agreement on plastics litter, which is likely to incorporate feedback from the Chamber.
THE G7 AGREED TO CHAMPION “DATA FREE FLOW WITH TRUST" The endorsement underscores the continued salience of cross-border data flows, and the inability of the major economies to arrive at common frameworks that enable digital trade and privacy. The ongoing crisis in transatlantic data transfers and the recent embrace of data localization by many in Europe should give us pause as to whether this endorsement will yield meaningful results for the private sector.
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COMMITTEE UPDATES
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the lives of billions of people across the world, with the world, a very different place since early 2020. As we step into the new year, there is a renewed sense of hope with COVID-19 vaccination programs beginning to roll-out in many countries. Lianne Braganza-D’Sylva Chief Marketing Officer Cigna Insurance Middle East & Africa shared the results of Cigna's "COVID-19 Global Impact Study" which was conducted to understand the impact of COVID-19 on people’s health and wellbeing. In addition, offered solutions for employers to help navigate the current situation and tools that can help companies improve the health & wellbeing of their employee. Results were shared across various business councils and AmCham’s throughout the region.
MANUF &B
S AN RE
UM
H
2020 was a year when we were confronted with stressors that most of us have never experienced before.
F
COVID-19 GLOBAL IMPACT SURVEY RESULTS REVEALED
MMIT TE CO
KFORCE
HUMAN RESOURCES TASK FORCE
TURERS AC
E
URCES T AS
O
FOOD & BEVERAGE MANUFACTURERS COMMITTTEE
ROBUST COLLABORATION PLATFORM FOR U.S. COMPANIES BASED IN THE UAE The AmCham Dubai Food & Beverage Manufacturing Committee has been established to create a robust collaboration platform for U.S. companies based in the UAE to engage and advocate on key regulatory issues impacting the industry. The committee seeks to create a favourable regulatory environment in the region, enabling long term business success and continuity. The committee has been meeting regularly and are focusing on opportunities to meet and participate in Expo 2020 activities. Specifically, during the Food & Ag week February 20-26, 2022. The group will look at themes to highlight during this time. Our member companies participating include:
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B R A N DS RUM FO
A M E RI CA
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
AMERICAN BRANDS FORUM
It has been a very exciting month for the American Brands Forum Please see our full page spread to read about the details of their latest accomplishments. GO TO PAGE
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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
AMCHAM REWARDS PROGRAMME
JOIN THE PROGRAMME
MEMBERSHIP
REWARDS
AmCham Dubai business members may offer a variety of exclusive discounts and benefits to our extensive AmCham MENA network. The entire membership can realize significant savings on everyday purchases while supporting businesses that support the AmCham.
Why participate:
HIGHLIGHT YOUR BRAND within the AmCham MENA network
SHOWCASE YOUR PROMOTION on the AmCham Dubai & MENA website
SEND AN E-BLAST of your promotion to all the AmCham Dubai active members
RECEIVE PROMOTIONS from other member organizations
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL MEMBER REWARDS
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
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For further information please contact: Email: info@amchamdubai.org
CONTACT AMCHAM
Call:
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THE AMCHAM UPDATE Q2 - 2021
