FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Laura Goodnight Company Name: American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates Tel: 04.379.1414 Email: communications@abcdubai.com Website: www.abcdubai.com
American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates and the U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration Co-host Spotlight on Africa DUBAI – SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates (ABC) and the U.S. Department of Commerce – International Trade Administration (ITA) co-hosted the fourth in a series of Spotlight events aimed at maximizing Dubai’s potential as a regional trade hub: Spotlight on Africa. The seminar highlighted the importance of maximizing those unique opportunities given to companies operating in Dubai and using Dubai as a business gateway to the region, which serves as the inspiration for the Spotlight series. The conference featured a panel of experts who discussed the business climate, logistical, legal, financial, security and safety aspects of doing business in the Sub-Saharan and eastern regions of Africa. The presenters included: Zeydan Abuissa, Country Manager at Pfizer; Ludwika Alvarez, International Trade Specialist at ITA; Zaki Khoury, Regional Manager of International Organizations, Middle East & Africa at Microsoft; Donald Nay, Regional Senior Commercial Officer at ITA; John Podgore, Partner at Dechert LLP; and Robert Telchin, Senior International Trade Specialist at ITA. Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and Chadbourne & Parke International Partner stated: “The U.A.E. offers American businesses a fantastic platform to expand in Africa. Given the recent upgrade in the competitiveness ranking of the U.A.E. in the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report from 19 to 12 is no surprise to me or that American businesses have chosen the U.A.E. as their hub. American businesses continue to
pick the U.A.E. because of exactly the same factors that Davos considers, such as infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, and a capable workforce. U.S.-U.A.E. bilateral trade outpaces that of much bigger economies, such as Saudi Arabia and India, precisely because of the competitive and stable economic environment in the U.A.E. The U.A.E. remains extremely well positioned for American businesses, and in particular doing business in Africa.” Deputy CEO of the Dubai Export Development Corporation, Mohammad Ali Lootah, who addressed the attendees, stated: “I think the event is a good opportunity to highlight the opportunities for American companies in Africa. There are many promising figures here today, and the approach that ABC and American businesses are taking is good to encourage companies to do business with Africa. There will definitely be obstacles in Africa because it’s an emerging market, but I believe American businesses can utilize the services of the U.A.E. and Dubai government to better penetrate the region.” Additionally, as part of the seminar, participants were able to book one-on-one meetings with the speakers on the following day. Jim Cramer, Office of the Middle East and North Africa, Global Markets at ITA stated, “This certainly takes the seminar to the next level. By hosting personal meetings participants were able to focus on identifying specific challenges facing their particular sectors and harnessing potential synergies going forward.” ABOUT THE AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates operates under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and functions as a Chapter of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since its founding in 1985, the American Business Council has supported U.S. business interests in Dubai & the Northern Emirates and acts as a liaison between government and commercial enterprises. The American Business Council is a 500 plus member-driven organization. Fortune 500 companies and key business leaders are well represented among the members of the American Business Council. The American Business Council provides a forum for understanding and interaction between the local business community and members of the American Business
Council. Members are supported through a robust calendar of informational programs, roundtable discussions, and business networking opportunities. For more information about the American Business Council and to learn how members are engaged, visit us at www.abcdubai.com. ABOUT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE – INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION The International Trade Administration (ITA) is the premier resource for American companies competing in the global marketplace. ITA has 2,100 employees assisting U.S. exporters in more than 100 U.S. cities and 72 countries worldwide. ITA strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. ITA works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad. More information is available at www.trade.gov. ###