The 12th Annual AmCham Mena Regional Conference concluded on a high note, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and dialogue across the Mena region.

 

Under the theme "One Region, One Voice," the conference, hosted by AmCham Dubai from April 17 to 19 at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Resort & Marina Hotel,  brought together leaders, experts, and industry stakeholders from 11 nations across the Mena region to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities shaping the regional business landscape.

 

"The 12th Annual AmCham Mena Regional Conference has been a resounding success despite the unprecedented weather event, thanks to the quick response of Dubai government and the active participation and engagement of delegates from across the region. The discussions and collaborations that took place during the conference will undoubtedly contribute to driving economic progress and prosperity in our region," stated Sammy Bousaba, Chairman of AmCham Dubai and Chairman of AmCham Mena Regional Council.

 

Transnational cooperation

US Ambassador to the UAE, Martina Strong, delivered the welcome address at the opening session, emphasising the importance of transnational cooperation and economic partnerships in the Mena region.

 

Tarek Tawfik, President of AmCham Egypt and Immediate Past Chairman of AmCham Mena Regional Council, said: "This conference has provided a platform for meaningful exchanges and partnerships, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing businesses in the Mena region. I am confident that the insights gained and relationships forged during the conference will have a lasting impact on the region's economic development."

 

Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President of International Member Relations and Senior Vice President of Middle East & Turkey at the US Chamber of Commerce, said:  "The 12th Annual AmCham Mena Regional Conference serves as a testament to the strength of economic ties between the United States and the Mena region. We commend the efforts of AmCham Mena in fostering dialogue and collaboration among regional stakeholders."

 

Critical topics

Throughout the two-and-a-half-day event, delegates engaged in panel sessions, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities focusing on critical topics such as cybersecurity innovation, international trade, climate change strategies, IPR, human resources, food and water security, healthcare equity, and the potential of artificial intelligence in the region.

 

Industry sector partners, including Cisco, Microsoft, and MSD, played a pivotal role in shaping discussions and providing valuable insights into key challenges and opportunities within their respective sectors.

 

Aziz Mohamed, Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy at Cisco Middle East, highlighted Cisco’s commitment to the UAE's digital innovation journey, thanks to the company’s numerous collaborations and investments in the country. “At Cisco, we believe that events like the AmCham Mena Regional Conference play a pivotal role in leading collaborative discussions and fostering knowledge sharing. They are key in supporting the digital transformation agenda in the UAE and the nation’s sustainable economic growth in the digital era." 

 

Dima Sari, Director, Government Affairs Campaigns, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Microsoft, highlighted the importance of having these conversations and the significance of public-private collaboration in harnessing AI to deliver greater prosperity across Mena so that its benefits are shared by all.

 

Health equity

Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director, MSD GCC, remarked: "I was pleased to be a part of the AmCham Mena Conference that discussed pressing issues shaping our region. The spotlight on health equity was extremely crucial as we engaged in a dialogue surrounding this fundamental principle and discussed the importance of ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has equal access to healthcare resources and opportunities. By addressing disparities and fostering collaboration, we pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future for all."

 

“Pursuing health equity and addressing preventable differences in the burden of disease and health outcomes is deeply embedded in our company’s DNA,” he added.

 

The conference also featured keynote speaker, Nenad Pacek, Founder and President of Global Success Advisors, who provided valuable insights into political, economic dynamics, and financing strategies in the Mena region.--TradeArabia News Service